A sweeping government commitment to invest £45 billion in the Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) project has drawn a starkly divided response from the region's leaders.
While the government describes the plan as a "transformative" move to reverse decades of chronic underinvestment, the reaction on the ground suggests a tale of two Yorkshires. For David Skaith, the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, the announcement represents a "strong endorsement" of local visions for growth. Conversely, Luke Campbell MBE, the Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, has branded the move "another let-down" for his constituents.
The ambitious plans, unveiled by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in Leeds, prioritise a "Northern Growth Corridor". The first phase, set for the 2030s, will focus on electrification and upgrades between York, Leeds, Sheffield, and Bradford.
Mayor David Skaith welcomed the investment, noting that capacity upgrades at York’s station would place the city at the centre of a modern transport network. Crucially for residents further east, Mayor Skaith emphasised that the announce
ment strengthens his "commitment to improving connectivity between York and the coast," arguing that such links are essential to ensure all communities benefit from northern growth.
However, the sentiment is far more sombre in East Yorkshire. Mayor Luke Campbell argued that the Humber—a vital economic engine handling 17% of the nation’s trade—is being "held back" by a lack of modern infrastructure. He expressed frustration that the region’s long-standing request for rail electrification remains unaddressed.
"Modern, reliable rail links aren’t just about faster journeys for passengers," Mayor Campbell stated, asserting they are the "key to unlocking growth" for businesses and young people seeking education and training. He further claimed that the Labour government appears to only back areas represented by Labour mayors, leaving others "left behind".
The government maintains that this "new era of investment" will eventually add £40 billion a year to the UK economy by bringing the productivity of northern cities up to the national average. Prime Minister Keir Starmer promised that the era of "broken promises" and "lip service" to the North has ended, with the government now "backing it to the hilt".
Lord Blunkett, who chaired the Rail Plan for Yorkshire, agreed that the move is an "essential first step" for a region that has "long been neglected". Yet, for those on the coast and in East Yorkshire, the promise of change feels distant.
While Mayor Skaith looks forward to a revitalised cultural and visitor economy, Mayor Campbell has vowed to write to the Chancellor to demand improvements that reflect his region's "economic role and ambition". For now, the track ahead remains a source of both hope and heated contention across the county.
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