Prospective PMs address Northern Powerhouse Rail

The two MPs in the running for the top job in UK politics have different takes on the fate Northern Powerhouse Rail.

Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak are both in the running for Prime Minister, but so far only one has committed to the original plans, which had been scaled back in the Integrated Rail Plan.

Liz Truss told reporters that, if she won, she would flip plans back to their original designs – with a new high-speed line from Leeds to Manchester via Bradford. Currently, the plans are to upgrade existing infrastructure.

Sunak’s team said he would “commit to engage” with northern leaders.

Truss, on the other hand, said it was “absolutely crucial for the future of the North of England”. However Yorkshire Post reports the politician, who was educated in the Roundhay region of the city, would not commit to reverting to old plans for HS2.

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