£15 Billion Transport Plan in North of England Aims to Boost Economy

January 17, 2026 El Pollock, A train in Lime Street station, Liverpool.

By Orko Manna

August 15, 2026

Five city representatives from the North of England are calling for a £15 billion 15-year plan in order to improve transport in the area.

In the One North report, city leaders from Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield stated, “transport is fundamental for the North” but “transport connectivity in the North needs to change.” Officials say that although the current system works fine, many things could be improved. The goal of the plan is to create a “highly interconnected region of thriving cities and towns” to serve as a complement to London and larger British cities.

Chancellor George Osborne is in support of the plan. In a speech this past June, Osborne called for a “northern global powerhouse” – and it looks like the One North initiative is a step in that very direction.

Some critics of the plan say it is too expensive, and they are right to notice that £15 billion is a lot of money. Osborne also recognizes this fact, but remains positive that the benefits of the initiative are well worth the cost.

“This kind of proposal is affordable,” Osborne said.

The report proposes many things, including each of the following – and more – to be completed and instituted by 2030: a 125 mph trans-Pennine rail link; a fast and frequent railroad network connecting the Northern cities; faster links to Newcastle and Manchester airports; cross city services; and, strategically placed highways to manage congestion and improve connectivity. In addition, Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson said on BBC Radio 4 that £350 million of the total funds would be used to build a “super-port,” allowing freight from the east to come directly to the UK.

The outcomes for the proposition are both economic and structural. The hope is that the North will become “a destination of choice for investors,” northern-based businesses will become more productive and competitive, and that modern infrastructure will grow the northern logistics industry.

One of the inspirations for the plan came from comparing the North of England to similar regions in other European countries. Both the Netherlands and Germany have successful, multi-city regions – not just one central city that gets all the economic growth. As powerful and prosperous as London is, Osborne and many others are hoping to develop a powerful economic ecosystem in the North.

But what are the next steps?

The report states that the One North proposition is “intended to be a constructive contribution to a debate which needs to take place over the coming months.” The conversation has been happening since Osborne announced his economic aims in June, and will likely continue for some time to come.

Leaders across the North of England are in support of plans to boost the northern economy through a transportation overhaul. Despite the mostly positive reaction to the effort, some northern cities – such as Hull – feel excluded. It’s not clear what will happen next, or if any changes will be made to the current plan.