For line’s upgrades
port the operation of the Intercity Express trains,
These new trains are being built by Hitachi and the full fleet on the East Coast is expected to be operating by 2020.
The trains were named Azuma by Virgin East Coast, the former franchise operators, but it remains to be seen if the name will stick now that Virgin is no longer running the line.
Mrs May confirmed that funding would be provided as the Cabinet held a session at the Sage Gateshead on Monday.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling told the Cabinet that passengers travelling between northern towns and cities will see major improvements, more seats and faster, more frequent journeys.
Also on the agenda were economic growth, and skills.
The Minister for the Northern Powerhouse, Jake Berry, led a discussion of how Government departments can work together to promote investment in northern cities and local economic regions. The Cabinet also discussed the North of Tyne devolution deal. Legislation has been tabled allowing the creation of the new North of Tyne combined authority, serving Newcastle, Northumberland and North Tyneside. It’s likely to be up and running by November, led initially by a mayor appointed by council leaders. Elections for a mayor will be held in May 2019. International Trade Secretary Liam Fox discussed the Government’s export strategy, due to be published shortly. Mrs May said: “Making Britain a country that works for everyone, in urban and rural regions, is a priority for my Government – and a thriving economy across the Northern Powerhouse is central to that.” However, Labour MPs were not impressed. Wansbeck MP Ian Lavery, Labour’s chair, said on Twitter: “I’d like to invite her to come see the damage Tory policies have had on constituencies like mine. “They have the nerve to come here for photo ops, while many locals rely on the work of teams like those at Wansbeck Food Bank to survive.” Theresa May