Leaders in Hull and East Yorkshire have responded to the Government’s multi-billion pound plan to transform rail travel across the North. Despite praise from leaders in other parts of the North, those in our region have had more subdued reactions.
The Government has announced plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail. The plans seek to transform the North’s transport network, improving links between cities on both sides of the Pennines.
The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, celebrated the announcement, saying: “If economic growth is the challenge, investment and renewal is the solution. That’s why we’re reversing years of chronic underinvestment in the North.
“Our transformative plans will create jobs, build homes and unlock opportunities for businesses to invest. That’s how we deliver economic growth, a renewed Britain and more money in working people’s pockets.”
Whilst the announcement included improvements to Leeds, Sheffield, and York stations, Hull is rarely mentioned beyond the Government promising “improved services.”
The Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, Luke Campbell, has described the announcement as “another let-down” for the area. In a statement reacting to the plans, the Reform UK Mayor also spoke of the importance of the Humber region as an economic hub.
He added: “Modern, reliable rail links aren’t just about faster journeys for passengers. It’s the key to unlocking growth, attracting investment, and creating opportunities for people who live and work here.
“Businesses rely on efficient transport to move goods and connect with markets. Commuters and young people need better links to jobs, education and training.
“If the Government is serious about growth and levelling up the North, Hull and East Yorkshire must be included. I can’t accept Hull and East Yorkshire not getting its fair share, yet again.
“The people of this region deserve transport investment that delivers real change. We need improvements to services, not more empty promises about benefits that might show up years later.
“Our region has been asking for rail electrification for decades, and I’ve been making the case to the Government since being elected. I’ll be writing to the Chancellor to push for rail improvements that reflect our region’s economic role and ambition. We’ve waited long enough, but I’ll keep fighting until Hull and East Yorkshire gets the investment it deserves.”
Cllr Mike Ross, the leader of the Lib Dem run Hull City Council, has said: “Hull has heard warm words and vague promises on rail investment for far too long.” The council leader has also criticised local politicians, saying : “It is an absolutely shocking failure from our Labour MPs and Reform UK Mayor to see our region failed again.”
Councillors are set to discuss Northern Powerhouse Rail at a meeting on January 15. The council’s portfolio holder for transport, Cllr Mark Ieronimo will put forward a motion calling for Cllr Ross to write to Tom Riordan, the Treasury’s new Northern envoy, and to the Secretary of State for Transport, setting out the case for Hull and seeking confirmation that the city will receive funding for its rail infrastructure.
Cllr Ieronimo has said: “Northern Powerhouse Rail has been talked about for over a decade, yet our city is still waiting for clarity and commitment. Hull deserves to be treated on a par with other cities across the North. That means proper investment in our rail lines, clear plans for electrification, and a timetable we can rely on. This motion is about standing up for Hull and making sure our voice is heard loud and clear in Westminster.”
Hull’s three Labour MPs, Karl Turner, Dame Diana Johnson, and Emma Hardy have also issued a statement on the Government’s announcement. It states: “We agree with the Government that for the UK to boost productivity and achieve higher economic growth the Humber, like the rest of the North, needs sustained investment in skills, jobs and in improving our transport connectivity and capacity – for passengers and freight.
“It is clear from the Northern Powerhouse Rail investment announced today that this Government understands the potential of Northern England and the Humber for unlocking this growth – unlike the previous Tory Government who blocked a privately financed initiative for Hull rail electrification nearly ten years ago. However, we still believe that there is a strong economic case for upgrading the rail link from the Humber ports on the east coast across the Pennines to the port City of Liverpool – working as necessary to leverage in private investment where public funding is insufficient to fully realise the vision of the Northern Growth Corridor and the Government’s aspiration for economic growth.
“The Humber Green Energy Estuary, so central to achieving Net Zero, must surely not be an area that relies indefinitely on ‘bi-modal’ trains and we note that the Hull and East Yorkshire Devolution Deal committed to electrifying and improving the line speed between Hull to Leeds and Hull to Sheffield. Hull and Humber MPs have campaigned cross-party alongside businesses and councils for many years to make the case for better connectivity for Hull and the Humber. This work will continue.”
By: Andrew Spence, LDRS
