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Northern Powerhouse Rail 2026-01-14
14 January 2026
Lead MP
The Secretary of State for Transport
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Transport
Other Contributors: 39
At a Glance
The Secretary of State for Transport raised concerns about northern powerhouse rail 2026-01-14 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Today, I am announcing the Government's ambitious plan to deliver Northern Powerhouse Rail. This project will invest up to £45 billion to create a turn-up-and-go railway along key northern cities such as Liverpool, Manchester, Bradford, Leeds and Sheffield, connecting Newcastle and Hull. The plan aims to improve rail services by ending long wait times for missed trains and attracting more people to the faster, more accessible network. It is not HS2 reheated but a new initiative rooted in local communities and developed with mayors' support. Delivery will proceed in three phases over the next decades, starting with £1.1 billion allocated to develop NPR over four years. The first phase focuses on electrification east of the Pennines, while the second phase covers Liverpool-Manchester via new stations, improving access to Manchester Airport from across the north and Wales. Phase three improves connectivity across the Pennines by upgrading Bradford-Manchester, Leeds-Manchester, and Sheffield-Manchester routes.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland and Fakenham
Question
The shadow Minister questions how a £45 billion cap can cover projects estimated to be more expensive. He asks when this House will receive the detail it deserves and demands specifics on local taxes that must rise.
Minister reply
Not provided in the given text.
Ruth Cadbury
Lab
Brentford and Isleworth
Question
When will we see more details about the timescales and potential funding sources for phases 1, 2, and most importantly, phase 3 of NPR?
Minister reply
The first phase relates to improvements in Leeds from Sheffield, Bradford and York; these plans are progressing with urgency. Phase 3 concerning Birmingham to Manchester will be announced in due course after NPR completion.
Tim Farron
LD
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Question
Will the Government provide guarantees that there won't be delays or stop-start approaches, ensuring high-speed rail for the north is delivered efficiently? Also, what about vital upgrades in Cumbria and Lancashire?
Minister reply
We are taking a measured approach to ensure taxpayer money is well spent. The plan covers all of England's north and includes significant investments like £13 million at Carlisle station.
Lucy Powell
Lab/Co-op
Manchester Central
Question
Does the Secretary of State agree that solving Manchester Piccadilly station’s throughput issue is crucial for long-term reliability and capacity?
Minister reply
Agreeing with Lucy Powell, we will work closely with Mayor Andy Burnham to unlock regeneration potential at Manchester Piccadilly station.
Imran Hussain
Lab
Bradford East
Question
The MP strongly welcomed the statement but asked for confirmation that Bradford station and better connectivity will be part of phase 1 of the programme. He highlighted a decade-long campaign for these improvements.
Minister reply
Heidi Alexander assured the hon. Member that work on the business case for the Bradford station is already underway, with decisions expected by summer 2023 and funding available to move into detailed design pending those decisions.
Mike Kane
Lab
Wythenshawe and Sale East
Question
The MP asked if the announcement would allow Manchester airport to achieve its full potential, given that February marks 25 years since the opening of the second runway.
Minister reply
Heidi Alexander agreed and noted that the selection of the route between Liverpool and Manchester was partly determined by the need for better connectivity to Manchester Airport. She highlighted the airport's importance in generating economic output.
Tom Gordon
LD
Harrogate and Knaresborough
Question
The MP disagreed with comments about betrayal of the north by a previous Labour Government, but asked for a commitment to include Skelton junction improvements as part of the scheme.
Minister reply
Heidi Alexander stated that while they are ruling things in rather than out, discussions will continue on further benefits for York area and masterplan opportunities near York station.
Jim McMahon
Lab/Co-op
Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Question
The MP welcomed the commitment to review the Manchester Piccadilly underground proposal alongside the Mayor of Greater Manchester and asked for more detail on local contributions from Manchester airport.
Minister reply
Heidi Alexander assured detailed conversations with local partners, including Manchester Airport, to ensure any contribution is fair and locally agreed. She also mentioned that improvements to Birmingham to Manchester would come after other schemes in the 2040s.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
Question
The MP criticised previous Government's ambitious proposals that did not materialise, suggesting a more deliverable plan instead of ambitious ones.
Minister reply
Heidi Alexander asked the Rail Minister to write to the hon. Member regarding extending the King’s Cross to Lincoln service through Grimsby and Cleethorpes.
Sharon Hodgson
Lab
Washington and Gateshead South
Question
The MP welcomed the announcement, particularly for the Leamside line which runs from Pelaw in Gateshead through her constituency to Ferryhill. She highlighted years of campaigning on this issue.
Minister reply
Heidi Alexander paid tribute to the hon. Member and expressed readiness to work further on the business case for reopening the Leamside Line, closed decades ago.
Lisa Smart
LD
Hazel Grove
Question
The MP welcomed the statement but asked how communities like hers can feed in so that this project reaches its full potential.
Minister reply
Heidi Alexander noted they had taken their time to work with local mayors to ensure integration of inter-city connections with local improvements, unlocking regeneration opportunities.
Sarah Pochin
Reform
Runcorn and Helsby
Question
The MP welcomed efforts to improve connectivity but questioned the Liverpool-Manchester journey time and airport access issues.
Minister reply
Heidi Alexander noted that Reform had previously objected to Northern Powerhouse Rail, and she looked forward to hearing from her colleagues whether they had reversed their position.
Robert Jenrick
Con
Question
Asked about the legal basis for local contributions to infrastructure projects in Manchester Piccadilly, particularly noting the absence of similar local contribution requirements in other major southern infrastructure projects.
Minister reply
Heidi Alexander acknowledged the historical underinvestment in northern transport systems and compared it to Crossrail's business rates retention scheme, suggesting that discussions on Northern Powerhouse Rail would explore similar local funding mechanisms.
Ann Davies
PC
Caerfyrddin
Question
Pointed out the significant financial burden placed on Wales due to projects like HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail, querying the fairness of expecting Welsh taxpayers to fund national infrastructure.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State recognised past underinvestment in Welsh infrastructure but emphasised that £445 million over 10 years for Welsh rail upgrades was historic investment that would deliver new stations, faster journeys, and better services.
Clive Betts
Lab
Sheffield South East
Question
Acknowledged improvements to the Sheffield-Leeds line but inquired specifically about the progress on the tram-train project between Sheffield and Rotherham.
Minister reply
Minister Alexander affirmed ongoing discussions with Mayor Oliver Coppard of South Yorkshire regarding the business case for tram-trains and expressed enthusiasm to integrate these benefits into the South Yorkshire area.
Bill Esterson
Lab
Sefton Central
Question
Highlighted the environmental benefits of Northern Powerhouse Rail, such as reducing road congestion and pollution. Asked about the comparison between journey times from Liverpool-Manchester airport versus other shorter rail routes.
Minister reply
Heidi Alexander agreed that improved rail connectivity would encourage more sustainable travel choices, noting current inefficiencies like a 1 hour and 25-minute train journey for a short distance compared to faster alternatives.
Mark Sewards
Lab
Leeds South West and Morley
Question
Welcomed the prioritisation of Yorkshire in phase one but asked when Leeds residents would benefit from improvements and whether there are plans to accelerate the West Yorkshire tram project.
Minister reply
Secretary of State confirmed additional planned improvements for Leeds station, mentioned potential locations like Leeds South Bank for new developments, and expressed commitment to delivering a mass transit system.
Alex Sobel
Lab Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
Question
Welcomed the start of Northern Powerhouse Rail in Yorkshire and asked if housing growth and job creation would be maximised through coordinated efforts with other Government departments.
Minister reply
Heidi Alexander agreed that enhancing productivity in the north could boost UK economic growth by £40 billion annually, stressing the importance of leveraging private investment for regeneration and urban development.
Jo White
Lab
Bassetlaw
Question
Emphasised the need for regional mayors to be involved in strategic transport planning and connectivity discussions. Queried if Mayor Claire Ward would have a place at these tables.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State affirmed her respect for Claire Ward's leadership role and confirmed engagement with council leaders and mayors across regions.
Anna Dixon
Lab
Shipley
Question
Acknowledged the disciplined approach in delivering Northern Powerhouse Rail on time, highlighting its benefits to Bradford and Leeds connectivity. Inquired about future assurances for jobs and housing growth.
Minister reply
Heidi Alexander assured that investments would focus on skills development, transport improvements, and creating opportunities for young people in smaller cities around major conurbations.
Laurence Turner
Lab
Birmingham Northfield
Question
Noted the previous Prime Minister's actions regarding HS2 north of Birmingham and asked about capacity issues along west coast main line connections.
Minister reply
Minister Alexander acknowledged the importance of east-west and south-to-north connections but did not provide a specific timeframe or details for future engagements.
Marie Tidball
Lab
Penistone and Stocksbridge
Question
Does my right hon. Friend agree that this tram-train extension will build on the Government’s commitment today to finally give Yorkshire the transport network our communities deserve?
Minister reply
We are committed to giving everyone in Yorkshire the transport networks they deserve, and we want to work with Mayor Oliver Coppard to explore further the potential of tram-train.
Abtisam Mohamed
Lab
Sheffield Central
Question
Like my Sheffield colleagues, I strongly welcome the Government commitment to upgrading our Sheffield station and putting in place faster and more frequent trains to Leeds and Manchester. This will increase our city centre regeneration, and will be of strong benefit to our universities and students who commute into the city. Will the Minister meet me and other South Yorkshire MPs to discuss timescales and to ensure that our infrastructure plans match the economic ambitions for growth and regeneration in Sheffield?
Minister reply
I will certainly ask the Rail Minister to meet my hon. Friend and her colleagues, and we are committed to improving services between Leeds and Sheffield.
Navendu Mishra
Lab
Stockport
Question
Can I also encourage the Secretary of State to look at the Access for All scheme? Unfortunately, it is far too slow, and far too many train stations do not have disabled access. To make rail better for everyone, we need to make it friendly for people with mobility issues.
Minister reply
I agree with my hon. Friend about the importance of accessibility at rail stations; over £100 million is going into Manchester airport station to lengthen platforms and allow longer trains.
Connor Naismith
Lab
Crewe and Nantwich
Question
How can the Secretary of State assure me and my constituents that these projects will actually be delivered, and how will they be insulated against the backwards, anti-growth, populist forces that we know would reverse these plans in a heartbeat?
Minister reply
We are going to give the public confidence by spending taxpayers’ money wisely. We will learn from the mistakes of HS2 and ensure we do the work properly to avoid wasting taxpayer funds.
Luke Charters
Lab
York Outer
Question
By my reckoning, York is the biggest winner of this new rail revolution. The new Haxby/York North station; the York station masterplan upgrade; the trans-Pennine route upgrade; and the fantastic NPR new connections—which does my right hon. Friend think delivers the most benefits to York?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right that bold schemes such as Northern Powerhouse Rail will silence detractors who talk down the promise of our proud northern region.
Dave Robertson
Lab
Lichfield
Question
Can the Secretary of State confirm to me that HS2 Ltd, which is so hated by my constituents, will have absolutely no part in any rail infrastructure project north of Handsacre?
Minister reply
I will ensure the Rail Minister meets my hon. Friend to address concerns about HS2 and work on minimising disruption.
Shaun Davies
Lab
Telford
Question
Will the Secretary of State or the Rail Minister meet me to explore all options to get Telford connected to the capital?
Minister reply
I would be very happy to organise a meeting between my hon. Friend and the Rail Minister to address connectivity issues.
Harpreet Uppal
Lab
Huddersfield
Question
Will the Secretary of State outline how they will support regeneration and communities in northern towns such as Huddersfield, and how NPR will build on and connect to the trans-Pennine route upgrade?
Minister reply
Phase 3 of Northern Powerhouse Rail will deliver improvements above and beyond current work with the trans-Pennine route upgrade.
Gill German
Lab
Clwyd North
Question
Does the Secretary of State agree with me that we must continue to work together cross-border to give my constituents the seamless transport system they deserve?
Minister reply
I do agree with my hon. Friend and am working closely with Ken Skates, the Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Transport.
Calder Valley
Question
Could she please look at electrification of the Calder Valley line as part of phase 3?
Minister reply
I urge my hon. Friend to raise this matter with the Rail Minister.
Sarah Russell
Lab
Congleton
Question
Northern Powerhouse Rail will be great for economic growth across the north and that will very much benefit my constituency. My constituency is geographically located in such a way that it should be great for travel to London, Liverpool and Manchester. Sadly, at the moment it is usually terrible for travelling to any of them. Will the Minister please meet me to talk about accessibility at Sandbach station, the quality and regularity of services across all those areas, and how we can make Northern Powerhouse Rail deliver for Cheshire?
Minister reply
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that contribution and appreciate how important it is to improve the quality of rail services to all the destinations she mentioned. Some benefits of the plans we are proposing today are, for example, that in parts of Yorkshire—I appreciate that that is a different part of the country—we could see enhanced services to London.
Leigh Ingham
Lab
Stafford
Question
I understand why the Secretary of State has today taken the sensible long-term decision on the future capacity needs on the west coast main line, but for residents in Stafford, Eccleshall and the villages, who have had 17 years of worrying, it means more years of worrying for them. Can she assure me that she will listen to the concerns of businesses and nearby residents when making decisions about land powers, and will she meet me and other impacted Staffordshire MPs to discuss this matter further?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend for her question and for the measured way she has put it. I know that the issue is close to the heart of her constituents, and I know that the Rail Minister is very keen to engage further with her and other affected Members on this issue.
Adam Jogee
Lab
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Question
I welcome the Secretary of State’s commitment to improving connections to Manchester airport, and I hope she will support my calls for a direct line between Stoke-on-Trent railway station, which serves most of my constituents, and Manchester airport. As the Secretary of State has heard from my hon. Friends the Members for Stafford (Leigh Ingham) and for Lichfield (Dave Robertson), although we welcome the intent and ambition of this statement, a number of Staffordshire MPs have concerns and questions about the impact locally. I have heard from countless people in Newcastle-under-Lyme about their experience of the disgraceful and failed HS2 project; people in my constituency want clarity, to be heard and to know that there will be no repeat of the distress and destruction they were forced to live with. I am grateful to the Secretary of State for offering us a meeting with the Rail Minister, but we would benefit hugely from a meeting with the Secretary of State herself as soon as possible.
Minister reply
I would be very happy to join the meeting I have already committed to on behalf of the Rail Minister; I think that would be appropriate, given the breadth of issues that have been raised today. On the issue of a direct service from Stoke to Manchester airport, I know that West Midlands Railway is considering the feasibility of amending its Stafford to Crewe service.
Kirith Entwistle
Lab
Bolton North East
Question
I welcome the fact that we are delivering Northern Powerhouse Rail—promised by the Tories, abandoned by the Tories and now delivered by this Labour Government. It will make a big difference to my constituents. However, it would be remiss of me not to take this opportunity to put on the record my ask that the Secretary of State work with the Mayor of Greater Manchester on extending the tramline to Bolton North East and ensuring better services on both Northern and Avanti West Coast.
Minister reply
I know that we need to improve the performance on both the Avanti West Coast and Northern routes; the Rail Minister and I are seized of the importance of doing that. I assure my hon. Friend that I will continue to work with the Mayor of Greater Manchester to ensure that the inter-city improvements we have announced today provide certainty on the way forward.
Andrew Cooper
Lab
Mid Cheshire
Question
Our region, from our big cities to our small towns, is ambitious for our future. We are hungry to play our part in our country’s economic recovery and have been impatient for the Government to see our potential after so many years of undelivered promises. Today’s announcement to invest in NPR shows that this Government will meet that ambition head-on.
The previous Government issued an instruction to the HS2 Phase 2b hybrid Bill Committee to remove the Mid Cheshire sections of the route from the Bill. Can my right hon. Friend confirm whether this Government intend to retain or withdraw this instruction? If they intend to withdraw it, will she write to me with details of the status of any undertakings and assurances made by HS2 to my councils and constituents as part of the petitioning process, which would not be delivered for more than a quarter of a century and by an organisation that may, by then, no longer exist?
Minister reply
I understand the importance of these issues to my hon. Friend and his constituents. I have instructed officials today to resume work on the adapted hybrid Bill. If I may, given the detailed nature of his question, I will respond to him in writing to ensure that I get the information correct.
Lola McEvoy
Lab
Darlington
Question
We on the Labour Benches are from the north and fight for the north, and this Labour Government will deliver the economic justice that we deserve in the north. As the Secretary of State will agree, I am sure, Darlington is the home of the railways, with our proud industrial history of British rail manufacturing. Will she outline how this investment and this plan will deliver for British rail manufacturing in my constituency and the rest of the north?
Minister reply
I am left under no illusions that my hon. Friend is from the north and will fight for the north. Having enjoyed a very hospitable evening with her in Darlington at the Hitachi rail manufacturing plant, I know how critical that employer is to her region. I am pleased that today’s announcement is not only an investment in rail infrastructure, but a downpayment on that manufacturing base and its future in order to realise the full economic potential of the region.
James Naish
Lab
Rushcliffe
Question
Over the past five years, per-head transport spend in the east midlands has fallen to just 54% of the UK average—the lowest of any region or nation. Rail funding is even more unequal, at £175 per head in 2023-24, which is barely 40% of the English average. With the Tories scrapping the east midlands leg in October 2023, HS2 will not be coming to my constituency, so while I welcome the ambition and scale of today’s announcement, I ask the Secretary of State to look once more at electrification of the midland main line, which will have an immediate economic impact and can be delivered in this Parliament.
Minister reply
As I said to my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Derbyshire (Jonathan Davies), we are keeping this matter under review. We had to take the difficult decision not to fund it in the spending review. That is not to say that the constituents of my hon. Friend the Member for Rushcliffe (James Naish) are not benefiting from improvements on the railway—I know that the Minister for Local Transport is particularly excited about the new fleet of East Midlands Railway trains, which are providing a much better passenger experience for my hon. Friend’s constituents.
Shadow Comment
Jerome Mayhew
Shadow Comment
The shadow Minister criticises the Government's announcement as a promise without substance. He points out that there are no construction start dates, completion dates, published route maps, or costed sequencing. The Opposition claims this is an attempt to silence northern mayors while Labour Ministers fail to deliver on their promises. Jerome Mayhew questions how a £45 billion cap can cover projects estimated to be more expensive and demands details of local taxes that will rise to fill the funding gap.
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