Northern leaders to meet in Leeds to discuss Government's rail plans

Northern leaders are set to meet in Leeds to discuss the Government's decision to scrap two long-standing rail projects, including the eastern leg of HS2.

Last week, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said he would look at "how best" to connect Leeds to HS2, and promised to introduce a mass transit system in West Yorkshire.

That decision was met with anger by leaders in the North, with West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin accusing ministers of letting people down.

Now, leaders from across the region are gathering to discuss their response, and set out a single vision for the future of transport across the North.

Louise Gittens, chair of Transport for the North, branded the plans "woefully inadequate" and says the Government needs to invest in levelling up the country.

The government argues its new plans will cut journey times and improve services across the North.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.