Transport Secretary Chris Grayling recently visited Leeds-Bradford Airport and met with the leader and chief executive of Bradford Council to hear about the city’s transport priorities.
Discussions have been taking place with the Transport for the North (TfN) group about Bradford’s case to be on the planned Trans-Pennine line — formerly known as HS3 but now called Northern Powerhouse Rail.
Speaking at the Leeds Chamber of Commerce annual dinner later that day, Mr Grayling said: “Top of TfN’s priority list is Northern Powerhouse Rail — a plan for faster and more-frequent services across the north between Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Hull, Bradford and York. I am taking away the very clear message that Bradford needs to be part of this project.”
His comments were welcomed by those close to the project and by the President of Leeds Chamber of Commerce, Gerald Jennings, who said: “We were making sure we recorded what I understood to be some promises from the Secretary of State for Transport, and we expect him to deliver on those promises.
We hear regularly from members about their need to draw in talent from as wide a catchment area as possible, or move their goods and services to markets conveniently, which is why transport remains a key priority for our lobbying activities. Access to talent and to markets is key to our future success.”
Mr Jennings also expressed his frustration at the lack of progress on “the now thorny issue of devolution” for the city region, more than two years after the Government agreed its devolution deal with Manchester.
He said: “This time last year, I said it was disappointing to see that discussions over devolution had become overtly political, and I urged all parties to come together to ensure that our region was not disadvantaged.
“A year later, we appear to be no nearer a solution. Speaking on behalf of our members, I say that this is no longer acceptable. Parochialism and party politics must be set aside for the greater good.”