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Written question asked by Lord Patten (Conservative) on Monday, 6 July 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 July 2026. It was answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

West of England Line

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to electrify the mainline railway between Salisbury and Exeter; and if so, when.

Answer

The Government has not yet taken a decision on electrifying the railway between Salisbury and Exeter, and no timescale has been set for this.

We are developing a long-term rolling stock and infrastructure strategy, for the first time in over 30 years, which we expect to publish later this summer. As part of this strategy, we will set out our approach to rail decarbonisation. This will consider where electrification is the most appropriate solution, alongside alternatives such as battery and other emerging technologies, to reduce reliance on diesel across the network.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL1694
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Electrification West of England line
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk