Northern Powerhouse Rail

Lord Lennie Excerpts

Monday 19th January 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill (Lab)]

I am delighted that the right reverend Prelate has raised that, because I discussed this very subject with Kim McGuinness two or three times in the last month. The extension of the metro to Washington, which is the northern part of the Leamside line, is proceeding anyway. The development of the southern part of the Leamside line will be pursued alongside the first tranche of Northern Powerhouse Rail, with a view to deriving economic growth, homes and jobs benefits from extending services southwards. I hope I have answered the right reverend Prelate’s question very positively.

[Lord Lennie (Lab)]

My Lords, I welcome the noble Lord’s statement regarding Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and Bradford. There is also Newcastle, as the right reverend Prelate just said. The journey time from Newcastle to Manchester is longer than from Newcastle to London. Is the plan designed to improve that particular journey?

[Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill (Lab)]

The answer to my noble friend is yes. The trans-Pennine route upgrade will make a significant improvement to the journey time across the Pennines. In addition, the intention is to have trains at higher frequency, which means less waiting time. That journey time will be improved in both respects.