Northern leaders unite in call for investment

Political leaders from across the North of England are urging the Government to deliver long-term investment and devolved powers to help unlock the region’s full economic potential.

Ahead of the upcoming Budget, The Great North mayors and leaders have written to the Chancellor, calling for a funding package that will strengthen transport, support businesses and tackle child poverty.

Their joint appeal sets out a vision for a more connected, competitive and fair North – one capable of driving national growth.

Central to the call is the completion of Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) in full, creating what the group describes as “a spine” linking cities and communities across the region.

Plans include a new line between Liverpool and Manchester via Manchester Airport, Warrington and a new underground station at Manchester Piccadilly, continuing through Bradford and Leeds.

Electrification of key routes, including the Leeds-Sheffield and Midland Main Line, also forms part of the proposal, alongside reopening the Leamside Line to boost connectivity to the North East.

The leaders are also calling for a new devolved business support model and a stable replacement for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to nurture entrepreneurship and growth.

Their third priority focuses on tackling child poverty by lifting the two-child benefit cap – a measure that could lift 100,000 Northern children out of poverty.

The Great North alliance says the region now needs the right investment and powers to drive a fairer, greener and more prosperous future for all.

Chair of The Great North, North East mayor Kim McGuinness, said: “The North of England has to be at the vanguard of the Government’s mission to unlock the growth the country and communities badly need. 

“That’s why we’re calling on the Government to make game-changing investment in our infrastructure and wholesale reform of business support so we can unleash the potential of people and businesses. 

“We stand ready to deliver for UK PLC, and there is no time to waste – so we can create jobs and opportunity for people we represent.”

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