The mayors of regions and cities in the North of England have penned a letter to chancellor Rachel Reeves calling for Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) to be built in full.

The leaders of 11 regional authorities in northern England have written to Reeves regarding NPR ahead of this month’s Budget. The group are urging her to increase investment in rail for the region in order to unlock economic opportunities and growth.

Delivered in Full

In order to achieve this, the group is calling for Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) to be delivered in full. This includes a new line from Liverpool to Manchester. This would run from Liverpool Lime Street via Liverpool Gateway, Warrington and Manchester Airport to an underground through station at Manchester Piccadilly.

Under the name The Great North, mayors are calling for this new line to continue to Huddersfield and Leeds via a new station in central Bradford. In addition, the plan would include the electrification of the Leeds-Sheffield line.

The letter states: “The Northern Powerhouse Independent Economic Review recognised that realising the untapped potential of the North requires a transformation in infrastructure that delivers faster, more reliable rail journeys.

“It also needs increased capacity to improve resilience and meet growing passenger, business, and freight demand. NPR, delivered in full, is key to realising this potential, complementing other rail investment.”

Drawn Up

The first phase of NPR is currently known as the Liverpool to Manchester Railway (LMR). It is being drawn up by local mayors rather than by central government.

The LMR board is chaired by former rail minister Huw Merriman.

The LMR partnership board’s prospectus places the line at the heart of a large economic area called the Northern Arc. It is anticipated that could add £90bn to the national economy by 2040.

The government has given positive signals regarding NPR, with the chancellor mentioning it during the summer’s Spending Review.

Beyond NPR

Additionally, the Great North mayors group is also calling for significant upgrades to the Hope Valley. Another priority is unblocking the East Coast Main Line north of Northallerton by reopening the Leamside Line. The group includes Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, Liverpool city region mayor Steve Rotherham and the group chair North East mayor Kim McGuinness.

They believe these plans will ensure effective services through to Sheffield, Hull and the North East. In addition, the group are calling for the delivery of previously committed improvements north of York and electrification of the Midland Main Line to Sheffield.

This full upgraded network for the North would create better connectivity for Chester, Crewe, Lancashire, Cumbria and the Tees Valley.

Also detailed in the letter is a plea for a new funding settlement, devolved powers and reform of business support for the region.

The Budget is taking place on Wednesday 26 November.