Electrify the Midland Main Line to Sheffield

Globally there is a target to reduce carbon emissions to zero by 2050.  The extreme weather many countries have had this year show how important it is that we make progress on this target as fast as possible.  One challenging area is transport.

During the 2010-2015 Coalition Government, the Midland Main Line, the railway line from London to Sheffield, was due to be electrified by 2020.  This would reduce pollution and increase capacity on the line.  With ‘green’ electricity from renewable sources it would also help train travel become “zero carbon”.

This target has come and gone.  Meanwhile the Government’s HS2 project, building a whole new railway line from London to the Midlands and beyond, has been reduced.  It will probably never reach Derby and is running seriously over time and over budget.

Liberal Democrat Lucy Care said “Recent data shows that, at the current rate, it will take 240 years to electrify UK railways.  It is time to push for more progress.  Electrification of our line to London – the Midland Main Line – will help Derby achieve its own zero carbon target as well as to allow faster, more frequent trains to London.”

Sign our petition to urge for the completion of Midland Mainline electrification.