THE Tories were accused of cynical electioneering yesterday after they shelved a major rail investment scheme, just weeks after using it to bolster their election campaign.
The Midland mainline and Transpennine routes in the north rail routes will be left with ageing diesel engines following a government decision to “pause” plans for electrification.
A spluttering Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin admitted Network Rail’s progress on its infrastructure was “not good enough,” saying the Tories’ feted £38 billion five-year plan was “overambitious.”
The HS2 debacle exposes what happens when public infrastructure is handed to private contractors – especially when set against China’s state-led high-speed rail success, says CARLOS MARTINEZ
Two-hundred years ago, on September 27 1825, the world’s first passenger railway line was opened between Stockton and Darlington. MICK WHELAN, general secretary of Aslef, the train drivers’ union, reflects on the history – and the future – of Britain’s railway industry
On the eve of the 157th Trades Union Congress, MICK WHELAN, general secretary of Aslef, the train drivers’ union, celebrates victory in his campaign to get dignity for drivers at work


