Electrifying the Midland Main Line

That this House recognises the significant benefits that electrifying the Midland Main Line would bring, including faster, smoother and quieter journeys, improved reliability, and increased capacity with more seats and more frequent services; notes that electrification would reduce operating costs for rolling stock, fuel and maintenance, while cutting noise and air pollution; further notes that modern electric trains produce significantly lower carbon emissions than diesel trains and utilise regenerative braking to enhance energy efficiency; believes that modernising the railway infrastructure to Sheffield as originally planned by the 2010–2015 Coalition Government would support progress towards the UK’s net zero target, contribute to Derby’s own zero carbon ambitions, and provide a credible alternative to private car use; expresses concern that the 2020 target for Midland Main Line electrification has been missed and that progress nationally is so slow it would take over two centuries to complete the rail network at the current rate; regrets that the Government’s HS2 project has been severely curtailed, leaving the Midlands underserved; and calls on the Government to prioritise the electrification of the Midland Main Line to Sheffield without further delay in order to cut carbon emissions, improve capacity, and deliver better rail services for communities along the route.