Andy McDonald MP, Shadow Transport Secretary, commenting on the confirmation that Transport for the North’s status is to be downgraded from client status to statutory influencer, said:
“The Tories justified slashing investment in rail in the North by saying they would devolve powers for the North to address its own transport needs. Today’s announcement that the status of Transport for the North is to be downgraded confirms that the Conservatives’ promises of devolution, like promises of investment, aren’t worth the paper they are written on.
“Under the Government’s plans, Transport for the North will still answer to civil servants in Whitehall, and the North will be denied the powers to finance and deliver transport investment enjoyed by Transport for London.
“It’s unfair that all the regions of the North combined receive less in transport investment compared to London, despite the North having twice the population. It is clear the Government aren’t serious about the so-called Northern Powerhouse or rebalancing the economy.
“Only Labour is committed to closing regional divides and delivering both the powers and the investment needed to deliver the transport infrastructure the North so badly lacks, including at least a £10billion commitment to building a Crossrail for the North.”
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