The UK Government has declared its intention to construct a new railway line connecting Birmingham and Manchester, marking a significant shift in national transport policy. This announcement comes after the controversial decision by the previous Conservative administration, led by Rishi Sunak, to scrap the HS2 extension between the two cities in October 2023.
A New Line, Not an HS2 Revival
The Treasury has been explicit that this proposed infrastructure project will not be a reinstatement of the cancelled HS2 leg. While the government has not provided a concrete timeline for construction, it has confirmed it will retain land originally acquired for HS2 between Manchester and Birmingham for this new development. The primary objective is to alleviate the severe congestion on the existing West Coast Main Line.
Crucially, the Treasury stated that the new Birmingham-Manchester line would not open until after the completion of Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR). This flagship scheme aims to dramatically improve east-west rail connections across the North of England.
The Northern Powerhouse Rail Blueprint
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasised his administration's commitment, saying the Government was "rolling up its sleeves" to deliver NPR. The programme will be rolled out in three distinct phases, backed by an initial £1.1 billion for development and design work.
The first phase, targeted for the 2030s, will focus on upgrading existing lines to improve connections between Sheffield and Leeds, Leeds and York, and Leeds and Bradford. This initial stage was prioritised as it avoids the need for major new land acquisitions.
The second phase will involve creating a new route between Liverpool and Manchester via Manchester Airport and Warrington, utilising a mix of new and existing tracks. The third and final phase will enhance connections eastwards from Manchester to Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield, and York. The plans also include funding for a new station in Bradford.
Once complete, regular services will extend to Newcastle via Darlington and Durham, and to Chester for connections into North Wales. Development work will also progress on reopening the Leamside Line in County Durham, closed in 1964.
Funding and Political Reaction
A funding cap of £45 billion has been set for NPR, though this could be supplemented by local contributions, such as increased revenue from business rates. The project is central to the Government's wider Northern Growth Strategy, set for publication in spring, which aims to generate better jobs, more homes, and increased regional investment.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves framed the investment as a reversal of "years of chronic underinvestment in the North." The announcement was warmly welcomed by Northern metro mayors. Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, hailed the "ambitious vision" and confirmed work would now accelerate on plans for an underground station in Manchester city centre. Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, called it "the start of a new era."
However, the plan faced immediate criticism from the Conservatives. Shadow rail minister Jerome Mayhew accused the Government of "watering down" NPR and lacking clarity on costs and delivery, suggesting it "risks becoming a permanent mirage."
