Response to Transport for the North statement on the progress of Northern Powerhouse Rail

19 November 2020

Responding to the Transport for the North statement on the progress of Northern Powerhouse Rail:

Cllr Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council, Transport for the North Board member and West Yorkshire Combined Authority transport lead, said:  

“With our partners we are putting a strong case for the Northern Powerhouse rail network we need for our communities including a new line from Manchester to Leeds via Bradford city centre in addition to the upgrade of the Trans-Pennine line and the HS2 eastern leg. It is only delivery of this network in full that will maximise the positive economic benefits, including new jobs. 

 
“We will be making clear to the Government that our preferred option is the only way to unlock the full benefits of this investment and that anything less will be to short change the North of England and undermine the levelling-up agenda.” 

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leader of Bradford Council, said: 

“A new line between Leeds and Manchester via a Bradford city centre station which also serves the Calder Valley line, and the delivery of the Trans-Pennine line upgrade in full are crucial to the Northern Powerhouse Rail project and have become even more important as we seek to accelerate West Yorkshire’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“The Government is being given a very clear recommendation on what the North needs to unleash its full potential and I hope it matches our ambition with its response.”