The news that the Government intends to build a new rail link between Birmingham and Manchester and confirmed proposals for new and improved rail links in Northern Powerhouse Rail was a welcome revival of a plan dashed by the last Conservative Government.

This announcement demonstrates the scale of the ambition that this Labour government has for the North of England, with commitments to new rail infrastructure spanning East to West and North to South.

It’s a major step forward in my campaign to unpick the Tory decision in 2023 to scrap HS2 in the North of England, which had a catastrophic impact on my Crewe and Nantwich constituency. Through my #ConnectCrewe campaign, I pressed home to the government the importance of Crewe to our rail network, including meeting with ministers and writing to the Chancellor and the Transport Secretary.

Crewe has long been a central hub in the UK’s rail network, with its unique 360-degree connectivity linking the Midlands and the North and it has played a pivotal role in bridging the North-South divide, whilst also handling 75% of West Coast Mainline freight. The #ConnectCrewe campaign aimed to highlight these benefits to government decision-makers and to ensure that Crewe plays a pivotal role in any future rail infrastructure development.

Improved rail infrastructure through Northern Powerhouse Rail presents an opportunity to capitalise on the connectivity of our region, and future plans to connect Birmingham and Manchester will bring increased prosperity. The economic and strategic benefits for Crewe and Nantwich and the wider region are too important to be left to chance, so I will continue to positively make the case for this project to go ahead.

As I’ve stated in my communications with ministers, the government has an opportunity to not just bring connectivity to the North, but to do so in a way that truly benefits every region of the UK. Crewe’s strategic importance cannot be ignored, and it must remain central to that vision.

Crewe was without a shadow of a doubt the biggest loser from the Tories decision to scrap HS2 north of Birmingham which would have meant nearly 5,000 new jobs, 4,500 new homes and a boost the local economy of £750m.

More broadly, the project would have been transformative to levelling up the country, with an estimated £2bn boost to Cheshire and Warrington per annum. Replacing HS2 would boost growth not only in Crewe, but to its neighbouring areas as well.

This isn’t just about improving journeys, it’s about creating jobs, solving the climate crisis and supporting local businesses – bigger enterprises like Bentley and Alstom as well as smaller businesses would benefit from increased footfall and regenerative investment.

The Chancellor has demonstrated in clear terms the difference in commitment they will receive with Labour. Investment in the infrastructure we need to drive growth and prosperity for northern families, which is no less than they deserve. The Labour Party was voted in on a mandate for change, and I am glad to reassure my constituents that we are holding true to that promise.

I will continue to press the case that the government include Crewe on this new route.