'Miserly' spending on Yorkshire transport 'appalling' says Sheffield MP

Paul Blomfield said new figures that show transport spending in London is 10 times higher than in Yorkshire prove ministers are not serious about building a Northern Powerhouse.

A report by IPPR North showed the average transport infrastructure spend per head in the capital is nearly £2,000, but in the north it is just £427, with Yorkshire and Humber getting the worst deal in the country, with only £190 per person.

The Crossrail scheme alone will cost £4.7bn, while the entire northern transport budget is worth £6.6bn.

Sheffield Central MP Mr Blomfield said: “This report reveals the miserly level of spending on transport in Yorkshire. It’s appalling that London gets ten times more per head than Yorkshire and tells you everything about the Government’s priorities.

“It makes an utter nonsense of their claims that they are building a Northern Powerhouse. We don’t even have a commitment for the electrification of the Midland Mainline anymore.

“Transport spending is vital for economic growth and jobs. The Government must invest a fair share in our region and commit to vital projects like the electrification of the Midland Mainline.

"Sheffield and the rest of Yorkshire deserves nothing less.”