Business of the House

Andy MacNae Excerpts

Thursday 12th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Andy MacNae (Rossendale and Darwen) (Lab)]

Rossendale remains the only local authority area in a north without a commuter rail link, despite being only 15 miles from central Manchester. The line still exists and just needs reinstating as a commuter service. That would be a game changer for Rossendale and the economy of east Lancashire and is exactly the sort of scheme that would increase the economic impact of Northern Powerhouse Rail, yet its progress is agonisingly slow and faces multiple hurdles. Does the Leader of the House agree that if we are to deliver good growth in every postcode, we must prioritise connecting our towns as much as our cities?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I congratulate my hon. Friend, because yesterday he got a commitment from the Prime Minister to meet the reindustrialisation research group on these matters. As we advance our reindustrialisation agenda, we need to ensure that there is reliable and joined-up transport infrastructure for everyone across England. I will ensure that the Transport Secretary has heard his representations.