Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when her Department expects to complete the (a) Manchester Route and Stations, (b) Platforming Scenarios, (c) East of Manchester Connection Scenario Study and (d) Manchester Piccadilly Integrated Study documents; and whether the Department plans to place the documents in the Library.

Northern Powerhouse Rail has been announced as a three-phase programme, with a £45bn (2025 prices) funding cap. The second phase will deliver a new route between Liverpool and Manchester, via Warrington and Manchester Airport.

The Department continues to consider developments to the route which would improve passenger and operational experience. If these are taken forward, a detailed update will be provided as part of seeking necessary consents.