A Labour government would deliver a “Crossrail for the north” with a series of upgrades to east-west transport links, the shadow chancellor, John McDonnell, has said. Speaking at Labour’s economic conference in Liverpool, he said the new “High Speed 3” rail link would transform the economy of northern England, creating 850,000 additional jobs by 2050. McDonnell said the plan was part of a wider commitment by Labour to close the investment gap between the south and north of England. “Labour is absolutely committed to delivering HS3, a Crossrail for the north, starting right here in Liverpool and connecting the great cities of the north of England,” he said. A Conservative spokesman said: “Labour’s policy to borrow half a trillion pounds would crash our economy and threaten jobs and infrastructure.”

Source: The Guardian February 04, 2017 12:20 UTC