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Home Government Rail industry sets out recommendations for upcoming Devolved National and Regional Elections

Rail industry sets out recommendations for upcoming Devolved National and Regional Elections

The Railway Industry Association, the voice of the UK rail supply community, has published five manifestos ahead of the devolved national and regional elections taking place next month. The Manifestos can be found here

The Manifestos highlight the ‘key asks’ the rail industry would like to see from political decision makers in Scotland, London and the South East, Midlands, the North of England and Wales & Western over the coming years. The North of England manifesto has been produced jointly with Northern Rail Industry Leaders (NRIL).

Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the Railway Industry Association (RIA), said: “The upcoming Devolved National and Regional Elections offer the opportunity for candidates, across the political spectrum and in all parts of the UK, to affirm their commitment to a strong, vibrant rail sector that can lead the economic revival following Coronavirus. Rail is green; it’s a catalyst for economic growth and its geographically spread across the country, making it a prime candidate for continued investment, at such a critical time for the economy.

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“The Railway Industry Association has published five manifestos setting out what rail businesses need from policy makers in order to best support the economy and jobs. Whether in Scotland, the North, Midlands, London and the South East or Wales & Western, the rail industry needs a consistent and visible profile of work, support to decarbonise and digitalise the network, commitments to major projects and backing to develop innovation and skills. We look forward to working with all parties, both before and after the elections, to ensure our railways continue to act as the economic backbone of the country.”

  1. The five Devolved Regional and National Manifestos can be found here:

The London & South East Manifesto calls for:

  1. To establish long-term, multi-year financial settlements for Transport for London (TfL), in order to provide funding certainty for businesses and an investment pipeline. 
  2. Deliver rail major projects as part of a long-term infrastructure plan
  3. Make the case for rail travel in the long-term and encourage passengers back onto the railways as we recover from the coronavirus pandemic.
  4. Speed up the decarbonisation of London and South East’s transport network, to drive modal shift.;
  5. Help boost skills and improve the diversity of the region’s transport network

The Midlands Manifesto calls for:

  1. Deliver High Speed 2 in full, including the Eastern Leg, in order to reap the full benefits of the scheme.
  2. Support the Midlands Rail Hub, to deliver greater connectivity within the region.
  3. Support the decarbonisation of the Midlands rail network including the continued electrification of the Midland Mainline and investment in hydrogen and battery rolling stock.
  4. Provide the support to develop skills and innovation strategies for the Midlands.

The Wales Manifesto calls for:

  1. Provide a clear pipeline of work and recognise the importance of clarity for the rail supply chain.
  2. Commit to further electrification and support for low carbon rolling stock, in order to achieve the Welsh Government’s goal of Net Zero by 2050.
  3. Support the development of the Welsh rail industry, placing innovation at its core. 
  4. Recognise the benefits of inter-modal connectivity to local communities and the economic recovery.

The Northern Manifesto calls for:

  1. Deliver major projects in the North, including HS2, with the Eastern Leg, Northern Powerhouse Rail and the Trans Pennine Route Upgrade.
  2. To recognise the importance of rail for net zero and accelerate the decarbonisation of the North’s rail network.
  3. Help boost investment in skills and capability, and promote the range of high skilled, green jobs and career opportunities in the rail industry to students and workers across the North.
  4. Provide funding for and support Research and Development across the North, ensuring that innovation is at the heart of the rail sector plans.

The Scotland Manifesto calls for:

  1. Make the case for rail travel in the long-term, encouraging passengers back and a greater role for freight, as we recover from the coronavirus pandemic.
  2. Continue to decarbonise the rail industry through electrification and fleet orders of low carbon rolling stock, in order to reach Scotland’s 2035 decarbonisation target. 
  3. Continue to provide a visible and consistent pipeline of work for the rail industry, particularly as preparations for Control Period 7 are made.
  4. Support the rail industry to become more sustainable, increase skills and improve the diversity of its workforce.  
  5. Ensure R&D and innovation as well as digital technology are at the heart of the government’s plans for the future of the rail industry in Scotland.

Photo credit: Railway Industry Association

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