Chloe SmithMP for Norwich North
Chloe Smith
Further to the presentation by Chloe Smith MP, joined by MPs from across the region, of Once in a Generation: prospectus for East Anglian rail to Justine Greening MP, the Secretary of State for Transport today announced a list of improvements to the region’s rail network, including the approved funding for upgrade works at the Ely North Junction.
Justine Greening MP says:
“Investment on this scale in East Anglia and the rest of the East of England shows how this coalition government is focused on delivering an affordable, reliable and faster railway network that drives jobs and growth.
“These plans to increase capacity and shorten journey times on intercity, commuter and freight services are, alongside our plans for high speed rail, absolutely key to securing our country’s prosperity in the decades ahead.”
Chloe has said:
"The Ely North investment is a crucial early element of the East Anglian rail improvements which we need for the next twenty years. It opens up many lines including for business investment, freight and leisure passengers.
"The campaign continues to secure accompanying longer term improvements on the other key lines through East Anglia, such as the Norwich-London mainline. I led the political alliance across four counties for a full East Anglian prospectus because rail links places and rail demands long term thinking. We speak with one voice across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex for improvements in addition to Ely North, which will gain us faster journey times, better quality trains, more reliable services and decent infrastructure."
Chloe adds:
“Today’s list of announcements, including the investment for Ely North, is great news. It marks the first step ahead of the mainline franchise consultation which is due to begin in the Autumn. Today’s announcement shows that the East Anglian Rail Prospectus has already been a success.