Rail industry bodies criticise government over Midland Main Line electrification pause

The Rail Forum and the Railway Industry Association (RIA) have jointly criticised the Government’s decision to pause the Midland Main Line (MML) electrification scheme.

The announcement, made last week, has been met with disappointment from industry leaders who warn it could jeopardise nearly £400 million in economic benefits and hundreds of jobs.

The joint letter, addressed to Rail Minister Lord Hendy, underscores the financial and strategic costs of keeping the project on ice.

Elaine Clark OBE, CEO of Rail Forum, expressed frustration at what she called a “bad decision for the UK taxpayer and users of the MML,” lamenting that the scheme is “shovel ready” and capable of delivering tangible benefits within this Parliament.

“Stopping Midland Mainline Electrification has caused wide concern and makes no sense,” Clark commented. “It’s a missed opportunity for regional growth and a setback for the Government’s ‘whole system’ approach of integrating track and train through rail reform.”

RIA Chief Executive Darren Caplan said the decision was holding back growth.

“This decision risks delaying the benefits of electrification, undermining regional economic growth, and costing taxpayers millions,” he said.

Caplan also said that it threatened to extend the country’s boom-and-bust cycle.

The leaders initially wrote to Lord Hendy in April, urging the rail minister to push ahead with the plans.

He responded on May 12 by acknowledging that the section was at that point “in development” before adding: “While design work and route clearance are being progressed, funding to continue the programme is subject to both business case considerations and the multi-year Spending Review being led by HM Treasury.”

Both industry leaders urged the Government to reconsider a quick restart, advocating for a “short ‘pause’” that allows work to resume within the next year.

RIA has proposed establishing a cross-industry group to develop a clear decarbonisation strategy, aligning with the overarching goal of achieving net zero emissions for both passenger and freight services by 2050.