The Government is rightly using the billions of pounds saved by cancelling the HS2 northern phase to build deliver smaller transport projects which can open quickly.

I asked the Transport Ministers to redirect some of the HS2 funding to electrify the Shrewsbury to Wolverhampton line.

In their response, the Ministers confirmed that they are considering the Midlands Connect business case for electrifying the line.

Electrification would improve line speeds, reduce the need for diesel trains, and hopefully lead to greater passenger choice.

The key, whatever energy option is used, is to improve timetables, speed and capacity on the Shrewsbury to Wolverhampton line.