Local MP Tom Gordon has criticised the Government for "abandoning the North" in Rachel Reeves’ latest speech.
Reeves promised investment in a large number of projects in the South of England, including the very controversial Heathrow third runway.
The only project promised new funding or support in the North was the potential redevelopment of the area around Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium.
All the other direct announcements, where they related to new projects, were in the South of England – namely, a third runway for Heathrow, funding for the East-West rail link from Oxford to Cambridge, and funding for a “British Silicon Valley” in that same area.
Other funding for the North focussed on theoretical projects or ideas that have been around for decades, such as electrification of the Bolton-Wigan line, Transpennine route upgrades, and improvement works at Bradford Forster Square.
Of these, only Transpennine route upgrade has seen any work done. Reopening Doncaster Sheffield airport was also floated.
Mr Gordon said:
“The Government is leaving the North behind – yet again.
“We need to see investment across the country, particularly in the North. If the South gets new rail projects, why not the North? Why can’t we reinstate HS2 to Leeds and Manchester, the two parts of HS2 that would have offered higher returns than London to Birmingham?
“Yet again, the Government is abandoning the North. We have a Home Secretary and Chancellor from just down the road in West Yorkshire, and yet they’ve failed to even bother trying to deliver for Yorkshire. Their constituents will be wondering why they voted for them.
“The proposed Northern investment is just the resurrection of old projects that previous governments sat on their hands over. We need bold new projects for the North that make the most of it’s potential, not just obvious minor projects that should have happened decades ago."
He added:
“We also seem to be ignoring environmental concerns. If we want to accommodate more freight and international travel, why can’t we improve rail services to Europe?
"Why can’t we have international rail services from Northern and Scottish cities instead of a new runway?
"Why can’t the investment for a third runway go into Northern airports instead?
"The Government’s plans are foolish, and will, yet again, leave most of the country behind. It’s simply unacceptable.”
Route timings revealed for Knaresborough Tractor Run
Pilot dies following aircraft crash near Masham, police confirm
Ripon's Portly Pig to host charity football tournament
Council to review parking charges across North Yorkshire
Free packed lunches at Starbeck café feed families in need
Harrogate dentist recognised at national dental awards
Knaresborough beeswax candle shop set to close
Harrogate Town launches new half-time crossbar challenge
Queen and ABBA tribute acts to headline Harrogate Beer Festival
Ripon entrepreneur to appear on Dragon's Den
Harrogate figures to be 'jailed' to raise money for Harrogate Theatre
Harrogate bookshop named as finalist for British Book Awards
Council update on operator of Alpamare water park
Visitor levy would be mayor's decision, says senior councillor
Date announced for return of Harrogate dog show
Harrogate's Italian community donates sensory kits worth £1,200 to Harrogate Hospital
Man taken to Leeds General infirmary following aircraft crash in Masham
Six arrested following car theft in Harrogate
FULL CHAT: Local occupational therapist hosts online masterclass to support new mums
Harrogate businesses reject new accommodation BID proposal
