Backing for electric campaign
A FORMER government whip has backed a campaign for the electrification of the Midland Main Line railway.
Lib Dem baroness Lorely Burt signalled her support at the East Midlands Liberal Democrats Spring Conference in Derby.
She joined councillor Michael Mullaney, Lib Dem parliamentary spokesperson for Bosworth, along with Mathew Hulbert, vice chair of Bosworth Liberal Democrats and former councillor for Barwell.
Chris Grayling, secretary of state for Transport, cancelled the improvement saying there was “no obvious passenger benefit” to it.
Cllr Mullaney said: “I’m delighted that Lib Dem Shadow Cabinet member Baroness Lorely Burt is backing the campaign to electrify the East Midlands Mainline.
“When in government the Lib Dems made the electrification of the line a priority.
“It’s tragic that the current Conservative-only administration has decided to cancel electrification in Leicestershire.
“Our region has one of the lowest levels of infrastructure spending in the country.
“Electrification of the Midland Mainline will mean cleaner, faster trains for passengers and will be a boost for businesses in the region.
“It’s time Tory MPs and the Tory government did something for our region. It’s time they reinstate electrification of the Midland Mainline.”
Mr Hulbert said: “Under this Tory government the East Midlands always seems to be at the back of the queue when it comes to investment.
“We have among the lowest social mobility in the country, with more people born poor here likely to die poor than in many other parts of the country. “I think these two factors are very likely to be connected.
“Failing Chris Grayling must now reverse his appalling decision and commit, as soon as possible, to the electrification of the Midland Mainline.”