Government sets out plans for north of England rail investment

"The multibillion pound scheme, known as Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR), aims to deliver faster journeys and more frequent trains across the North through a combination of upgraded and new lines, and improvements to stations. An initial 1.1bn has been earmarked for design and preparation. Construction is not expected to start until after 2030. It will be delivered in phases, starting with upgrades to lines between Leeds, York, Bradford and Sheffield, the government said."

"The second phase will be the building of a new route between Liverpool and Manchester, and the third will improve connections between Manchester and cities in Yorkshire, according to the outline of the plan. The government said the "transformation" of travel in the North would shorten commutes and encourage investment across the region, adding up to 40bn to the British economy."

"Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the cycle of "paying lip service to the potential of the North" had to end. "This government is rolling up its sleeves to deliver real, lasting change," he said. Successive governments have promised to unlock the North's economic potential with investment in infrastructure. The Northern Powerhouse project was first proposed by former Conservative Chancellor George Osborne in 2014, while Boris Johnson was later elected on a "levelling up" agenda."

The government proposes a multibillion-pound Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) programme to deliver faster journeys, more frequent trains, and station improvements across Northern England. An initial £1.1bn has been allocated for design and preparation, with construction not expected to begin until after 2030. Delivery will be phased: initial upgrades between Leeds, York, Bradford and Sheffield; a new Liverpool–Manchester route; and improved Manchester–Yorkshire connections. The government projects the programme could add up to £40bn to the British economy by shortening commutes and encouraging regional investment. The plan builds on earlier Northern Powerhouse proposals and follows scaled-back past rail commitments.

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