North of England: Infrastructure Spending

The shadow Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Abena Oppong-Asare, highlighted the disproportionate impact of covid-19 on the north of England and criticised the Government's record on infrastructure investment. She cited examples of failed projects in London and the west midlands that have cost taxpayers significant amounts of money. The north needs real investment rather than empty promises and half-finished projects.

Emphasised the need for infrastructure projects to be seen in both short-term and long-term contexts, advocating for transformative investments like a freight rail system connecting Liverpool and Hull to stimulate economic growth. Mr Shelbrooke suggested extending HS3 from Manchester to Leeds as an alternative to waiting decades for phase 2b of HS2, in order to link northern cities more quickly. Asked for the hon. Member's thoughts on speculation about a link between Northern Ireland and Scotland, particularly regarding high-speed railway connections. Alec Shelbrooke intervened to recognise colleagues who were unable to attend the debate but are equally important in the conversation regarding infrastructure in the north of England. He emphasised their involvement and ambitions for infrastructure improvements.

The speaker emphasised that infrastructure is not just about hard assets like roads and rail links but also includes education, skills, schools, doctors, dentists, and economic centres. He discussed the need for both HS2 and HS3 to connect northern towns and cities with London as well as each other, stressing the importance of east-west connectivity and green infrastructure projects such as carbon capture. Acknowledged the importance of creative views on infrastructure and its impact in transforming local areas like Bury North. Emphasised the need to invest in facilities that improve people's lives.

Ms McVey criticized the cost of High Speed 2, arguing that local infrastructure needs such as bus routes and train services are being overlooked. She called for investment in the mid-Cheshire line and emphasized the need for digital connectivity to benefit the whole country.

The MP congratulated his colleague on securing the debate and praised the Government's manifesto pledges regarding new infrastructure. He noted significant disparities between the north and south of England, highlighting London's economic dominance over other regions. The MP outlined several commitments made by the Government to improve transportation connectivity and infrastructure in northern areas while also advocating for private sector involvement.

Infrastructure goes beyond roads and includes facilities that can create jobs and economic activity. The site at Gigg Lane in Bury, which had a football club, is strategic but has been untouched for 12 months, leading to job losses.

Discussed ongoing efforts to reconnect Leigh to the national rail network through two bids under consideration as part of the Restoring your Railway programme. Also mentioned the need to complete the unfinished Atherleigh Way bypass and connect Leigh to Greater Manchester's Metrolink system, highlighting benefits for economic opportunities and environmental targets.

Gullis advocated for Stoke-on-Trent's inclusion in infrastructure spending plans, noting its position between Manchester and Birmingham. He highlighted issues of social mobility, education quality, housing affordability, transport connectivity, and industrial regeneration, emphasizing the need for strategic investment to attract more affluent residents. Asked to give way briefly.

Mr Amesbury expressed concern about the economic divide in the north of England, citing evidence from the Institute for Fiscal Studies that shows nearly three times as much is spent on transport infrastructure in London and the south-east. He highlighted the importance of devolution for Cheshire and Warrington to ensure they can shape their own future and mentioned specific projects such as the mid-Cheshire line and hydrogen development.

Mr Howell argued for holistic infrastructure spending in the north, focusing on connectivity, capacity, and hyper-local interventions. He called for the Government to create a funding pot open to applications from MPs for overlooked rural infrastructure projects. Agreed with the concept of having small projects now, planned projects and visions for the future to start improving infrastructure and economic activities.

The MP expressed that the debate should be technocratic, not based on political philosophy. He mentioned the myth of per capita regional spending figures and highlighted the importance of benefit-cost ratios in project comparison but stressed their limitations in choosing between north and south projects. The MP also criticised Treasury's policies for hindering private sector-led infrastructure projects and advocated for devolution to improve decision-making.

Emphasised the importance of improving trans-Pennine links and north-south connections. Highlighted the need for broader levelling-up initiatives beyond just infrastructure, including providing opportunities for people to get ahead.

Stressed that infrastructure in the north of England is important to Scotland due to economic ties and travel connections. Discussed HS2 benefits for climate change reduction by decreasing air travel need. Mentioned technical challenges with a bridge between Scotland and Northern Ireland and its impracticality from an economic standpoint.

The speaker highlighted the need for investment in her constituency of Hyndburn and Haslingden, including support for a new railway line between Skipton and Colne and a freight terminal in Huncoat. She also emphasized the importance of revitalizing town centres to attract businesses and enhance community life. Asked to give way briefly.