'Spend in North or risk losing a battle for the Red Wall'

THE Treasury must stop pouring money into London and the South East at the expense of the rest of the country, Labour MPs warned.

- By Jonathan Walker Whitehall Editor

They told Sir Keir Starmer that Labour could lose "Red Wall" seats unless there was a major shift in policy. The MPs said: "Without action, we condemn the country to lower living standards and fuel the rise of populism."

The warning came in a report from think-tank Labour Together, which was backed by MPs including Jo White (Bassetlaw), leader of the Red Wall Caucus.

Last year the Treasury spent £4,522 per person on measures that improve the economy in London, including £1,313 on transport projects. But spending in the East Midlands was £2,683, with just £368 for transport.

Cancelled

It meant London got major rail schemes such as the £18.8billion Elizabeth Line, while plans to create a high speed rail line in the East Midlands were cancelled.

The MPs said: "It is simply unfair that geography has become destiny for too many people. Life expectancy for a boy born in Hart, Hants, is 83 years, for one born in Blackpool it is a decade shorter."