Council motion calls for clear plans to be set out for Hull rail
Liberal Democrat councillors will call on the government to give Hull a fair deal on rail investment
Last updated 14th Jan 2026
Liberal Democrat councillors will call on the government to give Hull a fair deal on rail investment as long-delayed plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail are finally expected to be published.
Liberal Democrat Council Leader Mike Ross has also hit out at the latest government proposals on Northern Powerhouse Rail today, saying: “It is an absolutely shocking failure from our Labour MPs and Reform UK mayor to see our region failed again when it comes to northern powerhouse rail.”
Tomorrow, a motion tabled by Liberal Democrat Councillor Mark Ieronimo the Portfolio Holder for Highways and Transport, at Full Council highlights that Northern Powerhouse Rail has been discussed for more than a decade, with repeated delays and uncertainty, while Hull has consistently been left waiting for meaningful improvements to its rail connections.
The motion notes that Hull City Council has repeatedly made the case for better railway infrastructure serving the city.
Lib Dem Councillors will argue that any Northern Powerhouse Rail proposals must include a clear and explicit commitment to Hull and the rail lines serving the city, including confirmation of a timetable for rail electrification in the region. They warn that without firm commitments, Hull risks once again being treated as an afterthought in national infrastructure projects.
If agreed, the motion resolves that the Leader of the Council, Councillor Mike Ross, will write to Tom Riordan, the Treasury’s new Northern “envoy”, and to the Secretary of State for Transport, setting out the case for Hull and seeking confirmation that the city will receive fair and proper funding for its rail infrastructure.
Commenting, Liberal Democrat Councillor Mark Ieronimo said: “Northern Powerhouse Rail has been talked about for over a decade, yet our city is still waiting for clarity and commitment.
“Hull deserves to be treated on a par with other cities across the North. That means proper investment in our rail lines, clear plans for electrification, and a timetable we can rely on. This motion is about standing up for Hull and making sure our voice is heard loud and clear in Westminster.”
Liberal Democrat Leader of the Council, Cllr Mike Ross, added: “Hull has heard warm words and vague promises on rail investment for far too long. It is shocking that despite promises from Labour MPs locally and a new Mayor who should be championing this, we’ve still seen no clear plans set out for rail electrification or wider improvements.”
Statement from Luke Campbell MBE, Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire:
"Today’s Northern Powerhouse Rail announcement is another let-down for Hull and East Yorkshire.
"The Humber is an important economic hub, home to vital energy projects and growing businesses. Our ports handle 17% of the nation’s trade and are worth billions to the local and national economy, but they’re being held back.
"Modern, reliable rail links aren’t just about faster journeys for passengers. It’s the key to unlocking growth, attracting investment, and creating opportunities for people who live and work here.
"Businesses rely on efficient transport to move goods and connect with markets. Commuters and young people need better links to jobs, education and training.
"If the government is serious about growth and levelling up the North, Hull and East Yorkshire must be included. But it’s clear that this Labour government only backs areas with a Labour mayor – everyone else is left behind.
"I can’t accept Hull and East Yorkshire not getting its fair share, yet again. The people of this region deserve transport investment that delivers real change. We need improvements to services, not more empty promises about benefits that might show up years later.
"Our region has been asking for rail electrification for decades, and I’ve been making the case to the government since being elected. I’ll be writing to the Chancellor to push for rail improvements that reflect our region’s economic role and ambition.
"We’ve waited long enough, but I’ll keep fighting until Hull and East Yorkshire gets the investment it deserves."