Transport Secretary sets out commitments for Northern infrastructure

Addressing the Transport for the North conference in Newcastle on 6th March, Transport Secretary Mark Harper MP has set out the government’s commitments for improving transport infrastructure across Northern England.

During his speech, Mark Harper reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering on the £96 billion investment set out by his predecessor, Grant Shapps, in the Integrated Rail Plan. Projects promised in the plan across the region include commitment to delivering HS2 between Manchester and London, increasing capacity on existing routes for local services, as well as improving intercity connection East-West across the North, including the electrification of the Trans-Pennine route between Greater Manchester and Leeds.

The Transport Secretary also confirmed he has “made it clear” to their respective managing directors that Avanti West Coast and Transpennine Express must improve their services in the region, describing levels of disruption seen since summer 2022 as “unacceptable”. He also called on trade unions to agree a pay deal that would end regular strike action on the railways.

On devolution, Mr Harper also set out his belief that local areas and devolved Mayoral Combined Authorities in the North should have greater say in directing future transport spending, highlighting the £3 billion made available to local leaders through the Levelling Up Fund and Sustainable Transport Settlements. He also highlighted progress towards decarbonisation of the region’s transport, including the development of hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel production facilities, and funding for electric vehicle charging facilities and zero emission buses.

Concluding his speech, Mark Harper said:

“So, increasing connectivity for the North. Devolving more power to the North. And decarbonising our economy, led by the North. That is our commitment to this region.

“And we cannot afford to fail. Because to grow the economy, to deal with the cost of living, and to win the race to net zero: the UK economy must fire on all cylinders.

“And it will be this government, led by the first Conservative Prime Minister from a northern constituency for over half a century, armed with a historic electoral mandate from the North, that will build on the foundations laid over the past 9 years, ensuring the North’s best years aren’t consigned to history, but actually lie ahead.”