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

Boris Johnson’s speech in Manchester proves the Eton schoolboy really does think everyone born north of Watford must be thick as two short planks.

He really is taking the p*** out of the North if he thinks he can get away with his latest round of #BorisBluster.

Labour has been calling for years for more investment in the North in our basic rail, alternative energy and broadband infrastructure to stop us continuing to fall behind other countries.

Way back in 2017 we announced we would build Crossrail for the North.

This would be a £39billion railway linking not just the major northern cities but a network connecting the smaller towns.

(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

It will provide a fantastic boost to areas Tory governments have neglected.

As a publicity stunt Johnson announces his railway proposal, which is a cheapskate version of upgrading a few existing lines.

To add insult to injury he claims he is giving £2billion to smaller northern towns.

He failed to mention this is the money Theresa May promised to bribe Labour MPs to back her bad Brexit deal.

Contrast Jeremy Corbyn’s commitment this week to building the world leading Mersey Barrage, which will harness the tidal flow of the River Mersey to provide cheap energy and contribute to tackling climate change.

My advice to Johnson is: Stop treating our people like the peasants you obviously, arrogantly think they are.