Northern Powerhouse Rail promises have been heard before, it's time for Government to deliver - Tracy Brabin

Last week, Liz Truss made her case to become our next Prime Minister, talking about her love for our great region and experiences of growing up here in gods’ own country.

Writing in this newspaper, she acknowledged that we’ve been short changed by the Government. Everything from growth and opportunities, to transport and investment. We know this argument all too well – because we’ve been saying this for decades.

And as a fellow Yorkshire woman, I have to admit it’s reassuring that she agrees and I welcome anybody championing our region with such passion.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It is time that the people of West Yorkshire are given a fairer chance to succeed and fulfil their potential.

The next Prime Minister must deliver on promises made to the region, says Tracy Brabin, mayor of West Yorkshire.The next Prime Minister must deliver on promises made to the region, says Tracy Brabin, mayor of West Yorkshire.
The next Prime Minister must deliver on promises made to the region, says Tracy Brabin, mayor of West Yorkshire.

Liz Truss promised to build Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) “in full”. But sadly this is a case of déjà vu because we’ve heard this all before. Her own Government has made commitment after commitment and promise after promise on this issue. Only to let us down and break them.

Boris Johnson said there’d be a new rail line between Leeds and Manchester in 2019. While former Transport Secretary Chris Grayling made a “personal commitment” that Bradford would benefit from Northern Powerhouse Rail.

So, this fresh commitment from Liz Truss on the campaign trail is totally welcome. But it’s vital that she defines exactly what she means by “full”. Because we’ve seen such pledges watered down time and again.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This issue goes way beyond party politics. These decisions will outlast governments and my Mayoralty.

What we need is a long-term commitment to the North. To provide a transport system fit for the 21st century. One that works for all of us. So that our talent can thrive and we aren’t cut off from opportunities and prosperity. We want to see investment that will serve the North, and West Yorkshire, for hundreds of years - helping put us back on a more level playing field with the South. Like Crossrail will serve London.

Original plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail included a new high-speed line that connected Leeds with Manchester and Liverpool. This new line was supposed to go through Bradford city centre with a new station. We know the story. We know how it should have been.

It would have created tens of thousands of jobs and boosted Bradford’s economy by billions of pounds. It would have brought 6.7 million people within a 35-minute journey of the city. That would unlock growth and opportunities for our young and diverse communities.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Everybody, of all political stripes, should want and see the value in this. And the new Prime Minister – whoever they may be – has a chance to undo the broken promises, work with us and deliver for the millions of people living in this place we call home.

Liz Truss also vowed to “double down in our mission to level up the country”. And I’m with her on that.

But the current approach from Government has not felt like an adequate response to the challenges people are facing here.

Levelling up has felt like an empty slogan. Another phrase that is promised on the campaign trail but forgotten about just as easily.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

We now have an opportunity to start afresh and to get back around the table and inject life back into the devolution agenda.

Mayors and local leaders know our areas better than strangers in Whitehall. But we need more powers and greater funding to deliver on that.

West Yorkshire is the heart of the North. Its people deserve a joined-up, integrated transport system that works for the passenger, with capped fares and seamless journeys. We can drive the green industrial revolution, with skilled jobs for our children that bring about a brighter future for their children. Thousands of new, affordable and sustainable homes that drive down house prices and offer a safe and secure place to live for generations of families to come.

But instead of having to compete for money for projects through Whitehall beauty contests, we need the freedom and flexibility to invest where our area needs for the long-term.

This would be true devolution.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

As local leaders, we can be a powerful voice of our communities. Whether its Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak who gets the keys to Number 10 next month, they should work with us to truly level up our communities and end the micromanagement from Westminster.

West Yorkshire is a thriving region and by working together, I know that we can make it an even better place to live, work and be in business. Our potential is limitless.

Tracy Brabin is Mayor of West Yorkshire.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.