Harrogate and Knaresborough MP urges Government: “Don’t abandon North Yorkshire”

In Parliament last week, Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, called on the Government to “unlock growth” in York and North Yorkshire. Tom’s question to a Minister in Parliament follows last week’s disappointing spending review. The review, whilst offering money to the North of England, including West and South Yorkshire, failed to provide any meaningful funding for North Yorkshire. 

Tom is campaigning to see the railway line through Harrogate and Knaresborough – known as the “Harrogate line” electrified and fully dualled. Currently, most of the line between Knaresborough and York only has one track, leading to bottlenecks and frequent delays. Dualling the whole line would reduce the chance and effects of delays significantly. In Parliament this week, Tom once again called on the Government to back his campaign for the line to be upgraded. 

“Last week’s announcement fell well short of acceptable. Too often Governments have simply left whole areas behind, and this Government has so far indicated that that’s exactly their plan too.” Tom said. 

The Minister responded to Tom by saying that the Government was investing in all forms of transport, across the country and particularly in the North and Midlands. However, Tom was unimpressed. 

Commenting after his question, Tom said: 

“We were told a Labour mayor would mean the ear of the Government – and proper investment as a result. That’s clearly not the case. The Government saying they’re investing in the North and Midlands is welcome – but that’s an area of more than 25 million people. We need to see equal investment across that area – not the Government picking and choosing who gets it. 

“North Yorkshire has so much potential – but we’re being left at the starting line. That’s why I’m urging the Government to engage with me to improve connectivity and get Harrogate and Knaresborough the investment and support it deserves. 

“Over the last few years, there have been far too many promises that have turned out to be entirely hollow. That must change. I will fight for my constituents in Harrogate and Knaresborough to get the fair deal they deserve.”

ENDS