Liverpool Mayors demand more investment for rail passengers

Liverpool's Mayors are joining forces this afternoon and demanding more investment for rail passengers on Merseyside

Steve Rotheram and Joe Anderson are in Newcastle calling on the government to make Crossrail for the North a reality

The plan would see a new station for the city plus quicker links to Manchester and Leeds

Ahead of the Convention, Steve Rotheram said: “The UK is the most politically centralised and economically imbalanced country in the western world."

"Northern leaders coming together through the Convention of the North give us a powerful voice with which to make the argument for more powers and funding to achieve our economic potential."

“Mayor Anderson and I will be vigorously lobbying Government to commit to supporting the whole of the Northern Powerhouse Rail project, including a twin-track rail link from Liverpool to Manchester, linking into HS2, as well as a brand new station in Liverpool City Centre.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: “Increased investment in transport infrastructure is one of the top priorities for our city and it’s vital that central government commit to delivering Northern Powerhouse Rail in its entirety, starting with a new rail link between Liverpool and Manchester.”

“Northern Powerhouse Rail would hugely improve connectivity across the North, expanding freight and passenger capacity, as well as cutting journey times, which will boost not just our economy but that of the whole of the North of England.”

Some 200 employers, community leaders, cultural groups and unions are expected to join with council leaders and metro mayors at the Convention of the North to set out how they can work with Government on the challenges and opportunities facing the region, and what the North needs to be able to best support the UK economy.