Andy Burham calls for 'Crossrail for North'

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Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester

Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has called on political parties to pledge their support for a rail link from Liverpool to Hull - 'Crossrail for North'.

Steve Rotheram, the Mayor of Liverpool, is supporting Mr Burnham in championing the proposed link.

Mr Burnham said: “This week Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, and I called on all the political parties to include a clear commitment to Northern Powerhouse Rail, Crossrail for the North, in their manifestos. This follows our call on the Government last year to make west-east rail links their top transport priority.

“The road and rail systems of the north are creaking. Lack of infrastructure is holding back our economy and we have waited long enough for transport investment. We cannot have a Northern Powerhouse without significant investment in our rail infrastructure.

“I am very pleased to see that the manifestos of both parties who could form the next Government have committed to investing in improved East to West Rail links. Crossrail for the North is essential if we are to we release the development potential for the North West.

“After the election, whichever Party forms the Government, we must see early progress. This will encourage investment and provide confidence to businesses. I will continue to hold the Government’s feet to the fire until improved rail links for the North are delivered.”

The rail link was a key part of former Chancellor George Osborne’s Northern Powerhouse vision.