A new ‘plan for the north’ lays out how more than 1.5m jobs can be created by 2050 if Manchester and other cities work together.

Launched today, a paper says we can ‘stop lagging behind the south’ in terms of jobs and productivity.

But only if leaders across the region ‘speak with one voice’ to ensure good transport links, better education for young people and the right investment in ‘core areas’.

These are advanced manufacturing, digital development, health innovation and energy - and they could inject £97bn into the economy in the next 35 years.

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, added: “This will establish priorities around transport connections across and to the north, skills and employment, trade and investment, innovation and science and - where appropriate - housing to ensure the north can live up to its full potential.

“The prevailing economic uncertainty following the EU referendum result makes it even more essential that northern cities are given the tools and investment to work together to create the jobs and opportunities the region needs and help rebalance the nation’s economy.”

Commissioned by Transport for the North - the body in charge of driving forward rail and road investment - the Northern Powerhouse Independent Economic Review is aimed at boosting productivity, jobs and the economy.

The study looks at the North’s areas of strength which account for 30 pc of jobs, and how they can be built upon.

John Cridland, chairman of Transport for the North said 1.56m jobs could be created by 2050.

Describing it as ‘fundamental’ to future planning, he added: “Central to powering the North’s future economy will be an efficient high capacity transport network capable of fully mobilising the workforce between the North’s key economic heartlands.”

He said improved education was also vital in northern schools to give young people the change to go for better jobs using those transport links.

He said a ‘step-change’ in investment strategy was needed to achieve this.

Lord O’Neill, commercial secretary to the treasury, said the referendum was ‘even more of an instruction to build a Northern Powerhouse’.

He said it was encouraging the region’s leaders were working together to set out their long term priorities to make the north ‘a better place to live, work and invest in and remind the world the region is open for business.'

Josh Hardie, CBI Deputy Director-General, said: "The outcome of the EU Referendum means that pressing ahead with powering economic growth across the North of England is now more important than ever.

“Indeed, delivering transport improvements, coupled with educational excellence at all ages, will be key to driving productivity increases outside London and the South East.

“The North of England’s specialist industries, including advanced manufacturing, life sciences, energy and digital make it a great place to do business.

“Any ideas that contribute to economic growth at this critical time are welcome, and the CBI will continue to work with Transport for the North, central and local government and others to make sure prosperity advances across the whole of the UK.”