Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore has used a meeting with the influential Parliamentary Transport Select Committee to raise the positive impact Northern Powerhouse Rail running from Leeds to Manchester with a main stop on Bradford could have for his constituents and wider Bradford District local economy. The meeting forms part of an inquiry being done by the Committee looking into the Integrated Rail Plan.
Mr Moore made national headlines last November following the publishing of the Integrated Rail Plan, given his public criticism of the government that the whole of the Bradford District had been completely short-changed by the announcement. Whilst he was sure to praise certain parts of the plan, including a roll-out of ticketless payment systems across the country, as a long-time supporter of projects such as Northern Powerhouse Rail, Moore believes much more could be done to improve rail links East/ West across the country. Following the announcement of the Integrated Rail Plan, Moore said in Parliament:
“The creation of economic prosperity across Keighley and the whole Bradford District is something I care deeply about, and this of course is linked to the creation of better transport connectivity. I am deeply disappointed by today’s announcement, and in my view, the Bradford District has been completely short changed. We are one of the most socially deprived parts of the UK, and we must get better transport connectivity.”
Moore therefore used the meeting with the Transport Select Committee as an opportunity to make the case for much better rail links, including delivering in full Northern Powerhouse Rail from Leeds to Manchester with a main stop in Bradford, so that local businesses will be able to grasp economic opportunities presented by northern cities, and the surrounding towns.
Robbie Moore MP said: “Delivering Northern Powerhouse Rail in full between Leeds and Manchester with a main stop on Bradford in absolutely key if we are to unlock the economic opportunities for our area.
It was good to outline my strong views on this issue to the Transport Select Committee, and I urge them to make the case that better rail connectivity East/ West between these cities is vital for enhancing our local economy.
Manchester is just 43 miles away from Keighley, yet it takes over two hours on the train to get there. This is not right. That is why I will continue to make the case for Northern Powerhouse Rail. I am determined to unlock economic opportunities for our area and I will continue to stand up for Keighley and Ilkley, so that businesses can flourish, and individuals growing up in my area have the best opportunities available to them. Delivering Northern Powerhouse Rail is part of that.”
