Call to delay Crossrail in favour of fast trains

The Government's approval for Crossrail has angered many northern MPs who complain that Yorkshire has received a raw deal on transport spending.

But with all three major parties now backing a high-speed line – estimated to be worth billions to the region's economy by slashing journey times – MPs are keen to ensure that takes priority when the next government faces tough decisions over public spending.

Selby MP John Grogan told a Westminster debate: "If it is a case of putting Crossrail on hold and saving 5bn, that would be well worth doing if it meant that Leeds got its high-speed rail link."

Leeds West MP John Battle: "If there is pressure on budgets, Leeds should come before Crossrail. It should take top priority; otherwise Leeds is cut off."

The pair spoke out in a debate on the Leeds economy secured by former minister Mr Battle, in which he called for the Government to give extra support to boost skills and public transport.

Outgoing Elmet MP Colin Burgon complained that despite Leeds's financial services boom over the past decade, thousands of young people have been left out of work and education.

He complained of a "tightening" of social mobility which meant young people growing up in Gipton, like he did, would be unlikely to follow in his footsteps.

He warned parts of the city had been "cut off the map of economic development" in the boom years and called for a strategy to bring "green collar" jobs into the city as the UK embraces new technologies.

Ministers were also told by Pudsey MP Paul Truswell of manufacturing's importance to Leeds.