Hull North MP Diana Johnson has responded to reports that the Chancellor has found £1bn more to spend on infrastructure projects in his Budget this Wednesday (19 March).
Hull North MP Diana Johnson said: "If the Chancellor has £1bn more to invest in infrastructure in his Budget this week, I hope that he will find the £2m needed to unlock £94m of private investment to allow the Hull Trains scheme to go ahead, electrifying the rail line between Selby and Hull.
"The Chancellor has recently talked about rebuilding London's Euston Station, in addition to Crossrail in London, rebuilding two London Tube Stations, and all the other major infrastructure schemes going on in or planned for London and the south east. These schemes are costing billions in public money.
"In contrast, Hull heard recently about cuts being made to Transpennine rail services serving the North in order to improve rail services in the South. And when the Coalition announced that extra money had been found for schools last week, Surrey got £24.8m and Hull got nothing.
"Hull just needs £2m from the Government to enable rail electrification, a faster service and improved rolling stock - hopefully in time for City of Culture 2017. With A63 road improvements not happening in time for 2017, it's all the more vital that the rail upgrade happens in time. It's also important for wider regeneration in Hull and across the North that the scheme proceeds now and not after 2019, as is the current plan."