Statement from Luke Campbell MBE, Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, on the government's Northern Powerhouse Rail announcement:
Today’s Northern Powerhouse Rail announcement is another let-down for Hull and East Yorkshire.
The Humber is an important economic hub, home to vital energy projects and growing businesses. Our ports handle 17% of the nation’s trade and are worth billions to the local and national economy, but they’re being held back.
Modern, reliable rail links aren’t just about faster journeys for passengers. It’s the key to unlocking growth, attracting investment, and creating opportunities for people who live and work here.
Businesses rely on efficient transport to move goods and connect with markets. Commuters and young people need better links to jobs, education and training.
If the government is serious about growth and levelling up the North, Hull and East Yorkshire must be included. But it’s clear that this Labour government only backs areas with a Labour mayor – everyone else is left behind.
I can’t accept Hull and East Yorkshire not getting its fair share, yet again. The people of this region deserve transport investment that delivers real change. We need improvements to services, not more empty promises about benefits that might show up years later.
Our region has been asking for rail electrification for decades, and I’ve been making the case to the government since being elected. I’ll be writing to the Chancellor to push for rail improvements that reflect our region’s economic role and ambition.
We’ve waited long enough, but I’ll keep fighting until Hull and East Yorkshire gets the investment it deserves.