The Government needs to push on with Northern Powerhouse Rail to boost the Northern economy – that’s the message from Chamber chiefs in Manchester and Merseyside as Labour holds its conference in Liverpool.
The proposed high-speed line between Liverpool and Manchester, which would stop in Warrington and Manchester Airport, has been championed by Manchester metro mayor Andy Burnham and Liverpool city region mayor Steve Rotheram as the ‘Elizabeth Line of the north west’.
The project looked set to be confirmed in Keir Starmer’s speech to Labour Conference but that confirmation has since been delayed, which Mr Burnham said was ‘disappointing’. The Government says detailed plans will follow in coming weeks.
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Yesterday, Prime Minister but wanted to avoid the mistakes of the earlier HS2 scheme.
Paul Cherpeau, chief executive of Liverpool Chamber, said: "Employers and investors need a predictable timetable for future investment and they recognise that to achieve our potential we must increase the frequency and reliability of rail services, reduce journey times and unlock more freight capacity. This need is even more acute in the Liverpool City Region as we bid to create economic growth through the opportunities of greater devolved powers.
"This delay, the latest in a series of setbacks led by parties of all colours, delivers none of those things and is incredibly frustrating for companies with ambitions to grow and invest.
"As the Labour Party arrives for its conference, there are plenty of Liverpool City Region businesses who genuinely want this government to succeed in their long-term growth plans. Yet the backdrop of tax raids on businesses and persistently high inflation, plus the anticipation of further negativity in the Budget, continues to sap their confidence that it can deliver on their behalf.
"We would urge the Prime Minister, Chancellor and other government ministers to bring forward a plan this week which means they leave our city region and its businesses feeling more positive than when they arrived."
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Chris Fletcher, policy director at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: “This delay will infuriate a good many people across the north of England who had been expecting some positive news on the government’s plans for this vital rail scheme. Yet again we have seen a British Government completely fail in its duty to invest in strategic infrastructure and put a huge brake on economic growth at a time when it is vitally needed.
“The Chancellor was very pleased back in June when she announced plans for NPR would be revealed ‘in the coming weeks’ during her Spending Review speech. Yet here we are now 3 months on, no nearer hearing anything and everything being left up in the air, again.
"For more times than anyone can remember the north is left with delays, excuses and frustration when it comes to its transport network. It is, of course, right that costs are controlled but this constant stop start dithering just creates an atmosphere of complete distrust and despondency in our national politicians and makes a mockery of any plans the government says it has to boost growth.”