Harrogate and Knaresborough MP responded to the government's announcement of £15.6 billion for transport investment.
Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, welcomed the overall funding boost, but blasted ministers for once again overlooking North Yorkshire.
“This is a significant investment in public transport, and it’s long overdue.
"But while major projects are promised in West Yorkshire and beyond, there’s nothing for Harrogate, nothing for Knaresborough, and nothing for communities across North Yorkshire like ours.
“It’s not good enough. Harrogate and Knaresborough are growing towns with huge potential, but we’re stuck with a single-track on part of the Leeds to York line that belongs in the last century, not the next one.”
Tom Gordon has been campaigning for investment to dual and electrify the railway line between Knaresborough and York, a crucial link for both commuters and regional growth, and says today’s announcement is a missed opportunity to back that campaign.
He added:
“The government could have chosen to back rail upgrades that would benefit people right across our region.
"Instead, we’ve had yet another announcement that ignores North Yorkshire entirely.
“A truly modern transport system shouldn’t stop at the border of a city, it should reflect how people actually travel.
"Whether it’s commuters heading into Leeds or families travelling between Harrogate, York and beyond, we need reliable, fast, green connections. "This announcement doesn’t deliver that.”
Tom Gordon is calling on the Chancellor and Transport Secretary to rethink their plans and commit to meaningful rail investment in places that have been overlooked for far too long.
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