Kirkby MP shows support for the decarbonisation of the railways
On Friday (13th August), Local MP for Ashfield Lee Anderson attended our Kirkby headquarters to hear about our Rail division’s capabilities and commitment to the decarbonisation of the UK’s railways.
Along with representative from RIA and the Midlands Rail Forum, Anderson met with Rail Director, David Buckley and his team as he showcased existing electrification projects and discussed the challenges for future decarbonisation of rail.
While on a tour of Van Elle’s test track, he observed a demonstration and met workers and apprentices from the company.
Rail is already a low carbon mode of transport, contributing just 1.4% of transport emissions despite carrying 10% of all journeys. It accounts for only 0.5% of all UK emissions.
However, to achieve the UK Government’s legal commitment to Net Zero by 2050 and its aim to take all diesel-only trains off the rail network by 2040, further action will be needed.
Network Rail has set out that 15,400 kilometres of currently unelectrified railway lines will require decarbonising, in the next 29 years.
While visiting our Kirkby site, Anderson was able to see how achieving rail decarbonisation will not only be good for the environment, but could also support jobs and investment in the East Midlands and around the UK.
Take a closer look at our Rail division here.
Pictured (L-R) David Buckley, Rail Director, Van Elle; Lee Anderson MP for Ashfield; Jon Andrew representing Railways Industry Association (RIA) and Elaine Clark from Rail Forum Midlands.