Hull North MP Diana Johnson has described today's Budget as a "missed opportunity" for Hull.
Hull North MP Diana Johnson said: "Today's Budget documents show that rail electrification from Selby to Hull could come as late as 2024.
"This is a huge missed opportunity. Had Ministers given any priority to Hull's privately financed scheme when Humber MPs, Humber LEP and businesses lobbied Ministers for it over a year ago, at that point it was still possible for the scheme to be done in time for 2017 City of Culture.
"If this upgrade is done as late as 2024, this could even endanger Hull's direct rail link to Manchester in the new franchises. Hull MPs will now redouble efforts to get this scheme done earlier, so that this direct link is not jeopardised.
"It was also disappointing that Hull was excluded from the 'Tech' initiative in the North even though the digital economy has real jobs potential for Hull. Given that Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield Nick Clegg's 'Golden Triangle' will get a total of £11m from being included in this, it's utterly unfair to exclude Hull.
"This Budget also means more years of savage cuts to public services especially the Council, policing and the NHS and we know from their previous form since 2010 that the current Government will aim the most unfair cuts at Hull.
"Hull needs a Labour Government focussed on Hull's prosperity through to the 2030s not a Tory one obsessed with recreating 1930s spending levels."
