Mayor of West Yorkshire joins forces with other Northern Mayors to call on the PM to allow a free vote in Parliament on the Government's Integrated Rail Plan.
Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin joined forces with other Northern Mayors, Dan Jarvis, Steve Rotheram, Jamie Driscoll and Andy Burnham yesterday (Thursday 18 November 2021) to call on the PM to allow a free vote in Parliament on the Government's Integrated Rail Plan, so the people of the North can have their say.
19 November 2021
Northern Mayors join forces
Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin joined forces with other Northern Mayors, Dan Jarvis, Steve Rotheram, Jamie Driscoll and Andy Burnham yesterday (Thursday 18 November 2021) to call on the PM to allow a free vote in Parliament on the Government's Integrated Rail Plan, so the people of the North can have their say. The letter was also signed by other leaders from across the North.
Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said:
"Our people, our communities and our businesses need and deserve so much more and we will continue to hold the Government to account and push for better.
The letter reads:
Dear Prime Minister,
As political and business leaders representing the North of England, we are writing to express our concerns over today’s announcement of the Integrated Rail Plan.
We are concerned that by omitting both the Eastern Leg of HS2 and the new Leeds to Liverpool route of Northern Powerhouse Rail – with stops in central Bradford, Manchester and Warrington – you have failed to fully consider the advice of independent rail reviews, the ambitions of Northern leaders, and the appeals of our businesses.
Your decision, contrary to your ambition to “level-up” the North, runs the risk of holding back our regional economies and compromising our plans to cut carbon emissions, just days after we hosted COP-26.
People across the North were excited by your promise of new rail infrastructure and the benefits of a better-connected North – not only quicker travel times but more jobs and homes, new investment and regeneration, and better opportunities for our young people.
In our view, this pared-back plan will not unlock the full potential of the North of England.
These decisions go beyond party politics and indeed our generation. They are critical to the future of the North for the next 100 years and more. Given this, we believe elected representatives in all parts of the country should have an opportunity to consider whether your proposals represent a fair deal for their constituents before they are finalised.
We are therefore asking you to call a free vote on these plans in Parliament.
We look forward to your response.
