Railways Investment: North of England Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateLord Shutt of Greetland
Main Page: Lord Shutt of Greetland (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)Department Debates - View all Lord Shutt of Greetland's debates with the Department for Transport
(5 years, 10 months ago)
Lords ChamberI can reassure the noble Lord that we are well aware that people travel on trains and use transport outside London. Our record on devolution is strong; we have established Transport for the North and have devolved significant powers to metro mayors across the country. That ensures that the north has more influence than ever on crucial decisions on transport investment. We have given TfN unprecedented powers to influence decisions on transport investment in the north and to set out the north’s unified strategic transport plan, which the Secretary of State must take into account.
My Lords, to bring matters back to the north, the Minister mentioned Northern Powerhouse Rail. I have the feeling that the northern powerhouse is something akin to the American dream. Can we understand what it really means, and is there anything such as a route yet planned as to where it will go, which places may be served and when it may happen?