By Rachel Reeves MP
I was delighted to kick off 2026 by announcing this Government’s commitment and plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail from here in Leeds. This is a huge investment in the North and I am proud to be the Chancellor to deliver it.
I know from speaking to residents across Leeds West and Pudsey how important it is to have a fast and reliable rail service. For too long, unreliable rail links have caused misery for people living and working in our communities.
Thanks to these exciting new plans, local people will benefit from faster commutes, greater job opportunities and increased investment.
Northern Powerhouse Rail will seek to create a ‘turn up and go’ railway for passengers from Leeds to travel to cities across the North. The first phase will prioritise upgrades and electrification between Leeds-Sheffield, Leeds-York and Leeds-Bradford to transform commutes, set to be delivered in the 2030s.
It will also mean pressing forward with plans for a new station in Bradford, with funding secured to take it forward subject to a business case.
This isn’t just about trains, it’s about growth. Improved connectivity means better jobs and opportunities. We know that talent and potential are equally distributed across our country, but opportunity is not.
The North is home to many of the country’s fastest growing city regions, but they’ve been let down by successive governments promising the earth and delivering nothing. This Government is putting its money where its mouth is and backing Northern communities in partnership with local leaders.
Local commuters are also benefitting from the first freeze in rail fares for 30 years – something I was proud to announce in last year’s Budget. The freeze until March 2027, is part of our ongoing commitment to help ease the cost of living.
I know from the conversations I’m having across our constituency that that the cost of living is still the number one issue for people across Leeds West and Pudsey and as Chancellor cutting the cost of living through measures like the rail fair freeze remains my top priority.
From knocking on doors in Armley and Bramley to meeting local voluntary groups like Pudsey Community Project, since my last WLD column in November I’ve been busy getting out and about in Leeds West and Pudsey to hear about the issues that matter most to you.
It has also been a busy few weeks for my constituency office team, who continue to support residents with a range of casework issues.
- If you are a constituent and there is something you think my team and I will be able to help with then please do get in touch via leedswestandpudsey@parliament.uk or 0113 255 2311.
I can’t see New Pudsey to Leeds or Bradford being that much quicker. It only takes 12 mins to Leeds and 8 mins to Bradford at present!
As for a new station in Bradford, where is this likely to be located? Further out of the centre would not be an improvement. The only sensible plan would be to join the two stations up, but whilst this was possible a few years ago when there was a large space in the centre, there is now a large shopping centre.
Somewhat ironic to be calling this ‘turn up and go’ when they removed all the ticket machines from the transpennine line, then removed the ability to even buy a ticket on the train. Very much more of a “plan at least a week in advance, hope royal mail delivers the tickets from trainline, and go” railway.
Never knocked on my door.was she feeling ok,i heard she gets sick having to visit Leeds as its far from her london home.Bet she only spoke to a select few of local party members,not people who would tell her a few home truths.
John, I often go out knocking on doors with our MP, Rachel Reeves and also the Labour councillors particularly in our constituency. We will, outside of election time, knock on the doors of all voters. However with a 70, 000+ electorate we cannot speak to everyone every week. Rachel has a great team of well trained staff who help you with matters. Alternatively you can speak to your local councillors about local issues. You can find your Councillors here:
https://democracy.leeds.gov.uk/mgFindMember.aspx
Not the fault of any recent government but have never trusted the decision makers after reneging on the promised “park and ride” at Rodley ( after the London trains were withdrawn from the line to the interchange with electrification….. another story of receipt and political shenanigans)
As for the chancellor do you really expect her to knock on every door in the constituency, and how many MPs are local?…. you’ll find it’s very few!
Yep, I’ll just get on and go on that train or tram from one of the many train stations and tram stops in Armley that were all closed about 60 years ago. Clearly never stepped foot in Armley in her life.
That line doesn’t need faster commutes, it just needs Northern to stop running 2 carriage trains on it that can’t handle the number of passengers.
John, I often go out knocking on doors with our MP, Rachel Reeves and also the Labour councillors particularly in our constituency. We will, outside of election time, knock on the doors of all voters. However with a 70, 000+ electorate we cannot speak to everyone every week. Rachel has a great team of well trained staff who help you with matters. Alternatively you can speak to your local councillors about local issues. You can find your Councillors here:
https://democracy.leeds.gov.uk/mgFindMember.aspx