Usdaw welcomes the biggest travel upgrade in the North in a generation from Labour

Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said: “I spent three happy years in Leeds as a university student, a vibrant city I was proud to call home. But I've seen first-hand what underinvestment and empty pledges do to cities across the North. A reliable commute, a secure job, a thriving town centre - these are all things that everyone should expect. But over and over again, people in Northern communities, from Liverpool and Manchester to York and Newcastle, have been let down by broken promises.
 
“This cycle has to end. No more paying lip service to the potential of the North, but backing it to the hilt. That's why this Government is rolling up its sleeves to deliver real, lasting change for millions of people through Northern Powerhouse Rail: a major new rail network across the North that will deliver faster, more frequent services. This investment is proof we’re putting our money where our mouth is, working with local leaders to deliver the transport links that will help working people do what they need to in life – getting to work, taking the kids to school or days out with the family.”

Joanne Thomas – Usdaw general secretary says: “For too long, transport infrastructure investment outside the capital has been woeful and I’m delighted to see that Labour in government is going to change that. The great cities of the North, and their satellite communities, are economic powerhouses that are being held back by the lack of decent rail and public transport. This landmark investment will see working people benefit from faster rail links, shorter commutes, better jobs and new homes under the Chancellor’s new growth plan. There is no doubt that improving transport infrastructure is good for economic growth, and that has a direct benefit for struggling high streets and the retail sector. 

“We’ve heard Tory lies about ‘levelling up’; now we have a government with more than just an election slogan, who are making the necessary plans for investment that will fundamentally change our country. Years of Tory austerity that led to the economy flatlining, made much worse by a botched Brexit deal, are now over. We look forward to a brighter future under a government that is focussed on growth and is making genuine commitments to the North and the rest of the country.”