The Leader of the Opposition and of the Liberal Democrat Group on Oldham Council, Cllr Howard Sykes MBE, has roundly condemned the recent decision by the new Conservative Government to withdraw funding for the electrification of regional rail routes, especially between Manchester and Leeds.

Cllr Sykes, who also serves as a representative from Oldham Council on the Board of Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGMC), said:

“The Chancellor made a great play before the election to promise the money needed to electrify our major rail lines and so create a faster, greener northern network for business commuters and day trippers. Now the election is over the Conservatives have swiftly reneged on that promise.”

Network Rail describes rail electrification on northern routes as needed to “significantly improve in journey times, helping to support economic growth in the north.”

Cllr Sykes added: “A failure to invest in electrification will mean that the much-vaunted Northern Powerhouse will be held back as we shall lack the modern rail infrastructure that is needed. It is a joke that you can be in London nearly as quickly as the short journey from Manchester to Leeds takes on old rolling stock.”

“It is especially disappointing that the rail route from Manchester to Leeds will be neglected; this is the main arterial line that underpins the whole northern economy.”