Call for Midland Mainline electrification to go ahead

Liberal Democrats in Hinckley and Bosworth have stepped up their call for the electrification of the Midland Mainline to go ahead. And they have backed proposals that will make it more likely that train companies will invest in badly needed improvements.

Michael Mullaney, Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesman for Bosworth, called for the rail improvement to the Midland Mainline after business regulator, the Competition Commission, said the Government should allow train companies to have longer periods of time to run services.

"Currently, train companies are given franchises averaging seven years to run services," said Michael Mullaney. This is too short and means companies will not make long term investment decisions. This needs to change by increasing the length of time a company can operate, subject to the company reaching performance targets.

"Liberal Democrats in Parliament have been calling for this for some time and I hope that the Labour Government can be persuaded to follow our call.

"Electrification of the Midland Mainline should lead to passengers having faster and smoother journeys."