What is really going on in politics? Get our daily email briefing straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Andy Burnham tonight backs calls for ministers to pump £100billion into northern transport by 2050.

Writing exclusively for the Mirror, the former Cabinet Minister and Greater Manchester Mayor urges Chancellor Philip Hammond to release cash for roads and rail investment across the region.

The ex-Labour MP’s intervention comes after the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, chaired by Mr Hammond’s predecessor George Osborne, organised a letter signed by 84 MPs and peers from all three main parties calling on the Treasury to pledge cash to revolutionise roads and railways in the North.

(Image: AFP)

Partnership vice-chairman and former Treasury Minister Lord Jim O’Neill said: “Getting a true state-of-the-art transport network is absolutely key.

“Affordable and quick trains connecting all key parts of the Powerhouse are vital to delivering on the goal of raising productivity both across the North, and with it, the country as a whole.”

Mr Burnham tonight echoed the plea in an article for the Mirror.

He says: “More than 80 politicians from across the political spectrum have come together to write to the Chancellor demanding £100billion of transport investment in the North over the next three decades.

“This isn’t some luxury we’re requesting – all we are asking for is our fair share.

(Image: Evening Gazette)

“We’re coming together in the North – and our voice is getting stronger.”

The Mirror told yesterday how pressure was growing for Mr Hammond to open the spending taps.

And Mr Burnham links the need for investment with the ongoign row over rail chaos in the North.

He writes: "On Saturday night, at 9.40pm, I received an email from Northern Rail saying that many trains to Manchester Airport were being cancelled the next day.

(Image: Manchester Evening News) (Image: PA)

"The public weren’t told this until the next morning – when the cancellations were all happening and passengers’ days were being ruined.

"This is what we have come to expect from the train operators in the North.

"The travelling public are simply treated with contempt.

"It has to end.

"I’ve been accused by the Transport Secretary of trying to score political points on this issue. But it’s got nothing to do with that – it’s about people’s lives.

"I’ve heard story after story of commuters at the end of their tether because for months it’s been a lottery if they are going to get into work or not.

"Businesses are telling me about the money they’ve lost because of the chaos.

(Image: PA) (Image: PA)

"The Government does not have control of this – and they need to get a grip.

"We asked them for control of the rail franchises, as it’s always better when the people on the ground are in charge. Instead they offered us a partnership.

"Partnerships are great – but they only work when everyone plays their part. The Transport Secretary Chris Grayling couldn’t even be bothered to turn up when he was meant to be the main speaker at a Northern transport conference.

"That’s why action needs to be taken, and why I have written to Theresa May asking her to personally intervene and take charge.

(Image: Daily Mirror)

"So what needs to happen?

"First, it’s time for Transport for the North to be given real power to sack rail companies who aren’t performing. This can’t be left in the hands of an absent Transport Secretary.

"Second, the current mess needs sorting. Transport for the North’s board has taken on Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram and my suggestion to write to the Government to demand an independent troubleshooter be appointed to sort out the current mess.

"And third, it’s time for real investment in Northern railways."