Andrew Bridgen MP welcomes electrification and upgrade of the Midland Mainline

MP for North West Leicestershire has welcomed the announcement that £800 million will be invested by the Government into electrifying the Midland Mainline which contacts Sheffield to London and takes in Derby, East Midlands Parkway, Loughborough and Leicester stations.

The announcement comes after a House of Commons debate in which Andrew took part, and a cross party campaign involving Councils and Business.

Andrew said ‘This investment has been a long time coming and I am delighted that this Government have seen the economic case for upgrading the Midland Mainline. I stated in the House of Commons how there is no railway station in North West Leicestershire, so my constituents already have to travel a considerable distance to use a train. The shorter journey times following this upgrade will be a great relief.

Andrew has also stated that ‘passengers should not be hit by excessive fare increases to fund the electrification, as it is estimated that electrifying the line will save up to £60 million every year in industry costs, and the project will pay for itself over the course of a decade.’

The specific proposals for investment as set forth in today's announcement include £800 million for the electrification of the 'Spine of England' Midland Mainline from Sheffield – through Nottingham, Derby, and Leicester – to Bedford, completing the full electrification of the Midland Mainline out of London St Pancras, as well as £9 billion of further investment around the Country.