Overview
- In a conference speech in Liverpool, the chancellor pledged to proceed with Northern Powerhouse Rail, following the prime minister’s weekend assurance that he is committed to the project.
- A full announcement was not made at the conference, with ministers saying the scope and funding will be set out in the coming weeks after further review.
- A central element under consideration is a new high‑speed line between Liverpool and Manchester, with current proposals outlining a route via Warrington and Manchester Airport, an underground Piccadilly station, roughly 35‑minute journeys and services every 10 minutes.
- About £12 billion from the scrapped HS2 leg north of Birmingham was previously earmarked to improve journeys between Manchester and Liverpool as part of the scheme.
- Supporters including the Liverpool and Greater Manchester mayors say the project could deliver a £15 billion economic boost and around 22,000 construction jobs, while Reform UK has said it would cancel the plan.