Andy McDonald responds to Network Rail’s strategy for rail investment

Andy McDonald, Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary, commenting on Network Rail’s strategy for rail investment for 2019-2024 which shows a decline in investment in upgrades, said:  

“The Government’s plan for investment in our railway shows an embarrassing lack of ambition.

“Despite the clear economic and environmental benefits of electrification, Chris Grayling’s cuts on the TransPennine, Great Western and Midland Mainline routes will still go ahead.

“There’s no reason why we can’t invest to upgrade the rail network at the same time as maintaining and renewing it.

“Labour have committed to expanding and enhancing our railway and closing spending gaps across the country but it’s clear that the Conservatives lack the commitment to invest the money that our railway needs.”