North ‘needs one voice on transport’ - McLoughlin

Speaking as he met council leaders in Leeds, Patrick McLoughlin called for the North to speak with “one voice” when it comes to deciding which transport projects the Government should back.

Mr McLoughlin was in the region at the first meeting of Transport for the North, the body set up by the Government to come up with a long term plan for transport investment.

He said: “It is crucial we work together to deliver a world-class, integrated transport network for the North that reduces journey times, increases capacity and connectivity and enables growth.

“We have already made great strides and the creation of Transport for the North, is an excellent next step. I want Transport for the North to speak with one voice to Government on the big decisions to benefit the region as a whole.”

Transport for the North is part of the Government’s wider plan to turn the North into an economic “powerhouse” by improving connections between its towns and cities so that together they can compete on the world stage.

It brings together local authorities from across the North as well as bodies including the Highways Agency and HS2 Ltd, the Government company developing the proposed north-south high speed rail line.

Manchester City Council leader Sir Richard Leese, who chaired today’s meeting, said: “This is about how we gear up the north and build a northern powerhouse which can properly fulfil its potential for UK plc.

“Economic growth doesn’t happen by accident, it happens by design and having the right integrated infrastructure in place is vital for us to generate that growth.

“Transport for the North is now charged with drawing up a bold delivery programme to make that vision real in the next 15 years.”

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