TSSA responds to transport measures in King’s Speech 

Rail union TSSA has welcomed the intention in the King’s Speech to further build capacity on the railways with a Northern Powerhouse Rail Bill – but said timing and delivery of the projects would be key.   

The union has also highlighted that while it supports the proposed Northern Powerhouse Rail, there remains a ‘worrying cuts’ to DfT capital spending over the current parliament even after the King spoke of the country’s economic security being dependent upon ‘world class infrastructure’.  

Commenting, TSSA General Secretary, Maryam Eslamdoust said: “We are clear that Northern Powerhouse Rail is much needed - but it will take a long time before people across the North of England see the benefit.   

“Government really must make sure it is investing heavily in the railways because the network is the only clean, clear mass transport system driving the British economy.  

 “That is why we have raised concerns about worrying cuts to rail spending on infrastructure across this parliament. This is vital because as the King said in Parliament - ‘the United Kingdom’s economic security depends upon world class infrastructure’. "