Jeremy Corbyn has called for a massive wave of investment into northern rail lines to be handed over before London’s second Crossrail project is funded.

In his first interview with the M.E.N. since taking over the reins, the London MP said the north should now come first when it comes to transport investment.

The comments are notable given the heavy lobbying within London for a second Crossrail train line – costing £30bn – to be built across the capital.

Immediately after meeting with Greater Manchester’s eight Labour council leaders he also admitted he still had concerns about the effects of devolution to the region, including over the health service.

He warned Labour must not become ‘the party for the break-up of the NHS’, two weeks before the region’s health and social care devolution deal comes into legal force.

And he also revealed where he would spend his ideal day in Manchester.

Do you have concerns about Devo Manc, particularly given the further powers announced in yesterday’s budget?

“I do have concerns, because we have a government that’s set on a course of further cuts in public expenditure, further austerity.

“Yesterday’s budget took a billion pounds from the disabled, gave a very large amount in tax breaks to the biggest corporations and the wealthiest people in this country, and continued the underfunding of local government – and announced further devolution without necessarily guaranteeing the funds to accompany it.

“So I do have concerns about that, I do have concerns that we are going into an even longer period where local authorities and health authorities will end up having to privatise and sell off resources, assets, property in order to just survive at the same time as adult social care budgets are being cut.

“I want to see a fully funded local authority system.

“I had a long meeting this afternoon with all the Labour councillors from Greater Manchester and had a discussion of all these issues.

“I want devolution. I want devolution that’s accompanied by sufficient resources.

“The idea of devolving all local government finances to all local communities, which seems to be the mindset of George Osborne, actually leads to greater inequality and greater cuts because clearly the wealth is not shared equally across the whole of England.”

(Image: Eddie Garvey)

The Devo Manc health deal comes into legal affect from April 1. Are you worried this could lead to the break-up of the NHS?

“I asked this very question and the answer I have had is that all those that have supported this deal are very keen to retain the principle of an NHS, an NHS with equality of services and equality of opportunity of provision all across the UK.

“I’m absolutely determined to keep that. I do not want this to be the party for the break-up of the NHS.”

Were you reassured by that?

“I [pause]...was reassured of their determination to ensure there was the same level of service all across and that the funding regulation will be the NHS rather than through local government.

“That to me is very important.”

(Image: Eddie Garvey)

You have said that the mayoral model adopted in Greater Manchester is not as accountable as you would like. What model do you want?

“Local councillors accountable to their communities – and the leaders – I think creates a greater sense of participation.

“A mayoral system where the mayor gets a mandate beyond the vision of local councillors can lead to real problems.

“So we have got a mayoral system that’s now going to straddle 10 local authorities – this is uncharted waters that we are moving into. We will obviously be examining it very carefully.”

Would you like to see HS3 confirmed for the north before London’s Crossrail 2?

“Yes I would. I also think it would have been better if HS2 had been the Birmingham to the north part rather than London to Birmingham but I think that’s probably too late. That’s for the next issue.

“But clearly we have to have confirmation there is going to be this local rail investment both east west in the north, as well as to the north, as well as electrification of existing lines.”

(Image: Eddie Garvey)

Is Labour now comfortable talking about immigration on the doorstep – and does the asylum system need reforming, with one in four of England’s asylum seekers now in Greater Manchester?

“I’m very happy to talk about it. I’m very happy also to talk about the enormous contribution made to our NHS, to education and many other services by people who have made their homes in this country.

“Those that have sought asylum and refuge in this country from wars, from famine, from disaster, from environmental disasters, deserve to be treated properly.

“But also they should be shared out across the whole country as indeed all Europe should be participating in the current crisis, dealing with the Syrian refugees.

“We’re all humans, we all want to contribute to society as well as benefit from society.”

What would you do with a day in Manchester?

“I’d come straight back to the People’s History Museum [he had briefly visited before our interview] and look at it at much greater length.

“I’d then go to the art galleries in the centre of Manchester, which I like very much, especially the Whitworth.”

Take a look around the Whitworth Art Gallery yourself from our re-opening night story.