Reacting to the news that Labour will not commit to re-opening the Leamside Line, Independent North of Tyne Mayor, Jamie Driscoll said:
“Labour’s rail announcements yesterday were on the right track until it came to investment in the North East. Renationalisation is a great step forward, but ditching their Leamside Line promise is a big disappointment.
“I was actually on the stage in Newcastle with Lou Haigh on 6 March 2023, when Labour committed to re-opening the Leamside Line. But like so many Starmer promises, it appears this one has gone off the rails too. He has not listened to local leaders from any party.
“There is broad support for reopening this key rail route. What we need is a mayor that is adept at negotiating with government, whatever colour it may be, and bringing in pension funds to help deliver this £1 billion+ project.”
