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Written question asked by Jo Platt (Labour) on Thursday, 4 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 June 2026. It was answered by Simon Lightwood (Labour) on Monday, 15 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Railways: North of England

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to (a) consult and (b) communicate with the North of England's (i) mayoral combined authorities, (ii) local authorities and (ii) local stakeholders and communities on the (A) planning and (B) delivery of (1) Northern Powerhouse Rail and (2) associated regional transport networks.

Answer

The Northern Growth Strategy commits Government to working in partnership with Mayoral Strategic Authorities (MSAs) and local leaders to deliver Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR). This is set out in the Compact Agreements with Mayors.

We have established new engagement forums, which will include a Ministerial Taskforce with HM Treasury, the Department for Transport and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, alongside Mayors. This is supported by a Northern Growth Strategy Steering Group of city region chief executives to inform strategic objectives and delivery.

For NPR specifically, existing partnerships such as the Liverpool–Manchester Rail Board and the White Rose Partnership will provide oversight of Phase One and Phase Two, working through key design and delivery decisions. Local station boards across the Northern Growth Corridor bring together regional partners to ensure alignment with local transport and economic plans.

We will continue to engage wider stakeholders and communities, with public consultation to take place in future.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
6781
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Railways North of England
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk