Hull MPs Statement on Northern Powerhouse Rail

In response to today's Government announcement for plan for Northern Powerhouse Rail, Hull's MPs have issued the following joint statement about the electrification of rail lines to Hull.

"We agree with the Government that for the UK to boost productivity and achieve higher economic growth the Humber, like the rest if the North, needs sustained investment in skills, jobs and in improving our transport connectivity and capacity - for passengers and freight.

"It is clear from the Northern Powerhouse Rail investment announced today that this Government understands the potential of Northern England and the Humber for unlocking this growth - unlike the previous Tory Government who blocked a privately financed initiative for Hull rail electrification nearly ten years ago.

"However, we still believe that there is a strong economic case for upgrading the rail link from the Humber ports on the east coast across the Pennines to the port City of Liverpool - working as necessary to leverage in private investment where public funding is insufficient to fully realise the vision of the Northern Growth Corridor and the Government's aspiration for economic growth.

"The Humber Green Energy Estuary, so central to achieving Net Zero, must surely not be an area that relies indefinitely on 'bi-modal' trains and we note that the Hull and East Yorkshire Devolution Deal committed to electrifying and improving the line speed between Hull to Leeds and Hull to Sheffield.

"Hull and Humber MPs have campaigned cross-party alongside businesses and councils for many years to make the case for better connectivity for Hull and the Humber. This work will continue."

Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson DBE, MP for Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham

Emma Hardy, MP for Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice

Karl Turner, MP for Kingston upon Hull East