Northern Powerhouse Rail plans welcomed but big questions remain

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Josh Halliday North of England editorJanuary 14, 2026 at 11:29 AM

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After years of delays and revisions, a new version of Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) is on the horizon, along with a Birmingham-Manchester line. The project, aimed at upgrading the north's rail infrastructure, has been welcomed by Labour mayors and business groups. However, significant questions remain about funding, as the government has capped its contribution, potentially requiring northern leaders to raise billions through local taxes or borrowing. The first phase, upgrading lines in Yorkshire, is expected in the 2030s, with subsequent phases and the Birmingham-Manchester line following later. The project's scope, design, and exact costs are still unclear, leading to concerns about the financial burden on businesses and the timeline for completion.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

York 30% Bradford ×240% Sheffield 40% Greater Manchester 40% London ×240% Liverpool 40% Leeds ×250% Birmingham ×250% Manchester ×360% Rishi Sunak 60% HS2 ×270% Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) ×690%

Keywords

northern powerhouse rail 100% rail infrastructure 80% hs2 70% government funding 70% labour mayors 60% transport investment 60% project delays 50% business rates 50% east-west network 40%