Government must follow Transport Committee’s advice and put Lakes Line electrification back on the table - MP

Commenting on the new report from the House of Commons Transport Committee which called for the Government to re-think their decision to cancel Lakes Line electrification, local MP Tim Farron said:

"Today's report from the Transport Committee backs up what we've been saying for a long time about the importance for electrification on the Lakes Line.

"The Department for Transport's excuses that electrification was cancelled to protect the Lake District's environment or because it wouldn't deliver any benefits to passengers were dispelled earlier this year by the National Audit Office.

"The simple truth is they decided to pull the plug because they weren't prepared to cough up the cash for our area and in doing so, misled and betrayed local people.

"Electrification was frankly a no brainer and had the backing of everyone, from commuters to local businesses to the National Park Authority.

"The Government must follow the Committee's advice and put electrification back on the table now."