Northern leaders join together for vital rail upgrade
THE north has united to up the ante on the government over its ‘outdated, expensive and slow’ transport system - demanding a clear timetable for new train links is laid out in this autumn’s budget.
Leaders from across the region gathered in Leeds yesterday in the wake of a row sparked last month by transport secretary Chris Grayling.
He had suggested the entirety of the Manchester to Leeds line may not need electrification after all, followed swiftly by the announcement that the £30bn Crossrail 2 line in London has his backing.
In the resulting backlash, Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham called a summit of businesses and northern leaders to discuss how to pressure the government on its transport promises.
That summit issued a series of demands to government.
They include a call for government to honour all its promises on northern upgrades, including full electrification, track and signalling upgrades on commuter routes.
Ministers are also being pushed to lay out a ‘clear timetable’ in this Autumn’s budget for a new eastwest rail link, regardless of any other commitments to major schemes such as Crossrail 2.
Northern leaders also want a fairer distribution of transport funding.
The statement released following the summit was signed by Andy Burnham, Manchester council leader Sir Richard Leese, Sheffield leader Julie Dore, Newcastle council leader Nick Forbes and Merseyside mayor Steve Rotherham.
It says: “The north’s huge economic potential is being held back by an outdated, expensive and slow transport system.
“The idea of ‘Northern Powerhouse’ driving forward a rebalanced UK economy in the 21st century, was supposed to right this wrong, and is still strongly supported. A successful north means more jobs, a stronger tax base, better inward investment opportunities and greater success for business for the whole of the UK.
“But none of this will be realised unless there is substantial new investment in modern transport infrastructure linking the great cities of the north.
“Recent statements by the Transport Secretary have sent worrying messages that this essential investment may not be delivered in full, with some key commitments dropped, or substantially delayed. We believe that people across the north have waited long enough for transport services on a par with other parts of the country.
“The disparity between transport in the North of England and London must now be addressed.”
Mr Burnham said leaders had agreed to form a ‘council of the north’ - an idea laid out in his mayoral manifesto - to push on major infrastructure and Brexit discussions affecting the region.