Northern Powerhouse Rail must prioritise rail freight to unlock economic growth across the North and Midlands

Rail Freight Group (RFG) has welcomed the Government’s announcement on Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR), describing it as a significant opportunity to strengthen rail connectivity across the North and Midlands, provided rail freight capacity and capability are embedded in the plans from the outset.

Although freight is not expected to run on new high-speed lines, released capacity across the existing network, together with the already committed Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), will provide a transformative opportunity for businesses across the region.

The Government has announced £1.1 billion over the Spending Review period to progress planning, development, and design work for NPR, within a wider funding envelope of up to £45 billion for the full programme. The plans aim to improve passenger journeys between major northern city regions, including Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield, and York, with improved services to Newcastle and Hull.

Maggie Simpson OBE, Director General of RFG, said: “It is great to see this significant commitment to developing the railways across the North and Midlands. It is essential that the plans support the growth of rail freight, supporting new industries, infrastructure, and consumers across the region. NPR must, however, not delay the successful completion of the Transpennine Route Upgrade, which will provide transformative capacity and gauge capability for rail freight.”

RFG highlighted that improving rail connectivity across the North is not only a passenger priority, but also a critical enabler for goods movement, industrial investment, and decarbonisation. Rail freight already plays a vital role in moving construction materials, consumer goods, containers, and bulk commodities while supporting emerging sectors including low-carbon energy, renewables, advanced manufacturing, and new fuels.

With demand for rail freight expected to grow in response to net zero policies and the expansion of infrastructure and industrial sites, RFG said rail freight must be central to the network. RFG will continue to engage with Government, Network Rail, and Great British Railways to ensure NPR and TRU deliver a railway that supports national growth, reduces road congestion, and contributes to lower-carbon logistics across the North and Midlands.