Rachel Reeves announced a significant commitment to enhancing railway infrastructure across northern England, pledging a total of £3.5 billion for upgrades on the TransPennine route and £15 billion for local projects over five years. While London received a £2 billion long-term funding settlement, Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed disappointment at the lack of commitments for infrastructure improvements. The review also includes £2.5 billion for East West Rail and additional funds for Welsh railways and bus services, indicating a strategic shift towards equitable transportation investments in peripheral regions over London-centric development.
Rachel Reeves emphasized her commitment to developing a more effective railway network in northern England, working towards a more balanced transportation investment nationwide.
Reeves revealed plans to allocate substantial funding for city region projects over the next five years, signaling a shift in focus towards the transport needs of the northwest.
Despite receiving a long-term funding settlement, London’s request for significant infrastructure improvements left Mayor Sadiq Khan expressing disappointment over the lack of commitment from the government.
Northern leaders are eagerly awaiting detailed proposals for investments in railway systems, especially after previous cuts to substantial projects like the northern leg of HS2.
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