Northern Powerhouse Rail: Govt must “stop the delays”

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

Responding to the news that Northern Powerhouse Rail will be delayed again, Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesperson Paul Kohler said:

"Northern Powerhouse Rail is essential for improving transport across the North of England and unlocking growth - this setback delays the vital boost to northern communities that they have been promised.

"The Government must move quickly to resolve these issues, stop the delays and get on with the job. At the moment, this project is just as plagued by delays as actual trains.

“The Liberal Democrats will continue to hold Labour's feet to the fire to try to ensure they deliver, including Northern Powerhouse Rail.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

1. Reporting here: Northern Powerhouse Rail plans delayed again - BBC News

2. At their Conference this week, the Liberal Democrats reaffirmed their commitment to delivering Northern Powerhouse Rail.

3. In June, the Secretary of State for Transport said, in response to a question from Paul Kohler, that she would return to the Commons when the Department for Transport had an update on funding schemes related to Northern Powerhouse Rail. See here.