The government is upping its attacks on Labour’s railways legacy, as the war of words over electrification continues. Coffee House has seen a letter from the Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin to Michael Dugher, his opposite number in Labour, which hits back at claims that the government mislead the public over its delayed plans to electrify railways. In the letter, McLoughlin directly pointing the finger of blame at Labour:
‘I am grateful for your sudden interest in our program of rail enhancement: in the many months between your appoint by Ed Miliband and the General Election you did not ask a single question about electrification, so allow me to set out the background.
‘The Government has the most ambitious programme of rail modernization since the Victorian era. It will deliver huge benefits to passengers and overcome decades of under investment.
‘By contrast, Labour’s failure to invest has had catastrophic consequences for the economy and for the industry.
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