In response, David Clarke, Technical Director of the Railway Industry Association, said: “It is welcome to see the Government acknowledge that a rolling programme of consistent electrification work is best for the rail supply chain. A steady, consistent profile of work would not only allow businesses to deliver more cost-effectively, it would also support skills, innovation and investment, whilst supporting the Government’s decarbonisation goals.
“As RIA’s RailDecarb21 campaign highlights, committing to an immediate start on electrification – as well as fleet orders of hydrogen and battery rolling stock – would help 'build back better' and showcase the UK’s international leadership on climate change ahead of COP26 this November.”