'We're pushing on with high-speed rail link'

CHANCELLOR TELLS CONFERENCE THEY WILL PROGRESS MUCH-DELAYED PROJECT WHICH COULD LINK CITY WITH MANCHESTER

- By LIAM THORP, LOTTIE GIBBONS AND DAN HAYGARTH

LABOUR will “push ahead” with Northern Powerhouse Rail, which could create a high-speed rail link between Liverpool and Manchester, the Chancellor told the party's annual conference.

Rachel Reeves addressed the main hall at Liverpool Exhibition Centre yesterday afternoon and promised the government would move ahead with the railway project, which has been delayed many times.

Ms Reeves told the hall: “As well as the Transpennine route upgrade to link Manchester, Leeds and York and the towns in between them, this Labour Government will push ahead with our plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail. Plans never delivered by the Conservatives, plans opposed by Reform, but backed by this Labour Government.

“A vote of confidence in the north of England to get people to work, to connect families, to create jobs and to build prosperity in towns and cities scarred by underinvestment for far too long.

“That is what we are achieving together: a Labour Government, working with our Labour leaders around the country, delivering for working people.”