YORK Central MP Rachael Maskell has backed the Don’t Pull the Plug Campaign calling on the Government to reinstate plans to electrify the TransPennine rail line.

Just seven weeks after the election, the Government announced that it was shelving the electrification upgrades.

Ms Maskell is demanding a real commitment from the Government that it will deliver these projects within a clear and published timetable.

Ms Maskell is also urging people in York to sign up to a petition: www.rachaelmaskell.com/dont-pull-the-plug

She said: “David Cameron has broken his promise to electrify key rail lines in the North. York is a major railway hub with a proud history, I want to see a proud future for our railways. Trains are currently overcrowded, overpriced and need urgent infrastructure investment.

“Last Thursday, in the House of Commons, I asked the Secretary of State for Transport for the assessment he had made of pausing electrification and he failed to give a clear answer other than he is ‘developing plans’.

“The Government should now live up to their election promises, reinstate the work on electrification and not pull the plug on these vital upgrades for the TransPennine route.

“I encourage everyone in York to get involved and add their name to our petition. The Government should not be allowed to get away with promising these enhancements before the election and then turn-back on its commitments just weeks later.”