Liberal Democrat councillors will call on the Government to give Hull a fair deal on rail investment as long-delayed plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail are finally expected to be published.
Northern Powerhouse Rail has been discussed for years as a major infrastructure project aimed at improving east–west rail connections across the North of England. However, Hull has repeatedly been left waiting for meaningful improvements to its rail services, including long-promised electrification.
Hull City Council has consistently made the case for better railway infrastructure serving the city, warning that without firm commitments, Hull risks being treated as an afterthought in national transport projects. Liberal Democrat councillors say clarity is still missing, particularly around whether Hull will be included in any future upgrades and when improvements might actually happen.
In response to the latest announcement, Luke Campbell MBE, Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, issued a strongly worded statement criticising the government’s approach.
“Today’s Northern Powerhouse Rail announcement is another let-down for Hull and East Yorkshire,” he said.
“The Humber is an important economic hub, home to vital energy projects and growing businesses. Our ports handle 17% of the nation’s trade and are worth billions to the local and national economy, but they’re being held back.”
He said modern rail links were about far more than journey times.
“Modern, reliable rail links aren’t just about faster journeys for passengers. It’s the key to unlocking growth, attracting investment, and creating opportunities for people who live and work here.”
He added that businesses, commuters and young people were all being affected by poor connections.
“Businesses rely on efficient transport to move goods and connect with markets. Commuters and young people need better links to jobs, education and training.”
The Mayor argued that Hull and East Yorkshire were being overlooked politically.
“If the government is serious about growth and levelling up the North, Hull and East Yorkshire must be included. But it’s clear that this Labour government only backs areas with a Labour mayor – everyone else is left behind.”
“I can’t accept Hull and East Yorkshire not getting its fair share, yet again. The people of this region deserve transport investment that delivers real change. We need improvements to services, not more empty promises about benefits that might show up years later.”
He said rail electrification had been sought for decades and pledged to continue lobbying government.
“Our region has been asking for rail electrification for decades, and I’ve been making the case to the government since being elected. I’ll be writing to the Chancellor to push for rail improvements that reflect our region’s economic role and ambition.”
“We’ve waited long enough, but I’ll keep fighting until Hull and East Yorkshire gets the investment it deserves.”
Separately, Liberal Democrat councillors at Hull City Council are set to raise the issue formally through a council motion calling for clear plans to be set out for Hull.
A motion tabled by Liberal Democrat Councillor Mark Ieronimo, the Portfolio Holder for Highways and Transport, highlights that Northern Powerhouse Rail has been discussed for more than a decade, with repeated delays and uncertainty, while Hull has consistently been left waiting for meaningful improvements to its rail connections.
The motion argues that any Northern Powerhouse Rail proposals must include a clear and explicit commitment to Hull and the rail lines serving the city, including confirmation of a timetable for rail electrification in the region.
If agreed, the motion would see the Leader of the Council write to Tom Riordan, the Treasury’s new Northern envoy, and the Secretary of State for Transport, setting out the case for Hull and seeking confirmation that the city will receive fair and proper funding for its rail infrastructure.
Commenting ahead of the debate, Councillor Mark Ieronimo said:
“Northern Powerhouse Rail has been talked about for over a decade, yet our city is still waiting for clarity and commitment.
“Hull deserves to be treated on a par with other cities across the North. That means proper investment in our rail lines, clear plans for electrification, and a timetable we can rely on. This motion is about standing up for Hull and making sure our voice is heard loud and clear in Westminster.”
Liberal Democrat Leader of the Council Mike Ross also criticised the latest proposals.
“It is an absolutely shocking failure from our Labour MPs and Reform UK mayor to see our region failed again when it comes to northern powerhouse rail,” he said.
“Hull has heard warm words and vague promises on rail investment for far too long. It is shocking that despite promises from Labour MPs locally and a new Mayor who should be championing this, we’ve still seen no clear plans set out for rail electrification or wider improvements.”
