Reeves vows rail plan will go ahead, despite cynicism20 hours ago Share Save Emer Moreau and Faarea Masud , business reporters Share SaveGetty ImagesMajor rail improvements in northern England "will actually happen", Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said, as she acknowledged the HS2 rail project had become a "byword" for disastrous planning. The multibillion pound scheme, known as Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR), aims to deliver faster journeys and more frequent trains through upgraded and new lines, and improvements to stations. Reeves agreed with her, saying the north had been "neglected for too long" and the new investment in Northern Powerhouse Rail will address that. The Conservatives accused the government of "watering down" Northern Powerhouse Rail, saying ministers had "put back any plans to actually deliver it and rewritten timetables on the fly". Shadow rail minister Jerome Mayhew said: "Northern Powerhouse Rail could have been transformational, empowering regional growth and regeneration.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 14, 2026 23:21 UTC