Hull City Council has today given unanimous support to the Lib Dem motion urging the UK Government to set out clear plans and commitment to Hull through Northern Powerhouse Rail.
The motion, tabled by Lib Dem Cllr Mark Ieronimo, recognises that proposals for Northern Powerhouse Rail have been under discussion for over a decade, yet yesterday, residents and businesses in Hull were let down by the government’s announcement.
Following the cross party agreement, the leader of the council, Cllr Mike Ross, will put in writing the council’s call for action to the city’s MPs, the Treasury’s new Northern “envoy” and the Secretary of State for Transport.
Deputy Leader, Cllr Jackie Dad, who seconded the motion said:
“For too long, our city has heard empty promises on rail investment for years without seeing the commitment and funding that Hull deserves. Today’s unanimous motion sends a clear message, Hull must not be left behind again when it comes to the future of Northern Powerhouse Rail.
Liberal Democrat Council Leader, Councillor Mike Ross added:
“I’m disappointed in our Labour MPs for allowing this Labour government to continue to ignore this city. Likewise our Reform UK Mayor has not held up his part of the deal in making sure the government delivers on this. His job from day one was to make sure the devolution deal is delivered and we need to know what he’s done to fight for us on this and the other parts of the deal.
“As Council Leader I worked with others to get this commitment in writing. I’m committed to fighting for it and will not stop standing up for Hull. But the government has made it clear they’re not holding up their side of the deal and as a result have let us down.”
