Clegg: No Hull rail electrification until after City of Culture

Hull North MP Diana Johnson has responded to today's comments from Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg that rail lines into Hull will not be electrified until the 2020s.

Diana Johnson MP said: "In putting off Hull rail electrification to the 2020s, Nick Clegg is abandoning any aspiration to get it done in time for Hull's 2017 City of Culture.

"This is despite millions of visitors being expected in Hull for the City of Culture and the rail upgrade scheme that Hull MPs, councillors and business organisations have fought for being privately financed. It shows a lack of urgency from this Government to make Hull's City of Culture a success.

"Although Hull will benefit from a High Speed Three, its first phase between Leeds and Manchester would not be completed until the 2030s - and the second phase to Hull would be years after that. At the moment, Hull hasn't even got High Speed One!

"Meanwhile, London is to get major transport schemes, such as new rail and tube stations and Crossrail. Worse still, we currently see plans under this Government to cut Transpennine rail services in the North to move resources to Southern England.

"Nick Clegg also talks about big long-term plans for upgrading the M62 - while Hull still waits for the A63 upgrade.

"After having the heaviest cuts from this Government since 2010, months before a General Election Nick Clegg promises jam tomorrow on transport investment for the North - but it's jams today. We've already seen what happens to promises from Nick Clegg on tuition fees, VAT and police numbers.

"Moreover, Clegg's comment show, yet again, that for the Lib Dems, Hull is an afterthought City not getting a fair deal from their Coalition and firmly outside Nick Clegg's 'Golden Triangle' between Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield."