Business leaders across Yorkshire are urging the UK Government to prioritise rail investment in the region, backing a strategic review led by Lord David Blunkett that outlines a £20 billion economic opportunity.
An open letter from leading organisations—including Magtec, Westfield Health, Virgin Media O2, the University of Bradford, Yorkshire Building Society, and multiple regional Chambers of Commerce—calls for the Chancellor to adopt proposals set out in “Yorkshire’s Plan for Rail.” The plan was commissioned by the mayors of West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, and York and North Yorkshire under the White Rose Agreement, representing a population of 4.6 million and over 190,000 businesses.
The review outlines a ten-year vision to enhance regional connectivity through the development of new stations, electrification, increased capacity, and improved integration with national routes. Forecasts suggest the programme could unlock 83,000 new jobs, support the delivery of 210,000 homes, and contribute significantly to regional GDP.
Business groups argue that the region has faced chronic underinvestment in transport infrastructure and claim that reliable, frequent rail services are vital for attracting talent, supporting supply chains, and driving inward investment. Companies with significant operations in Leeds, Sheffield, and surrounding areas highlight the economic risk of continued delays to rail upgrades, warning that current services limit labour mobility, restrict collaboration, and undermine sustainability goals.
The proposed £14.6 billion investment has also gained backing from local enterprise partnerships and business advisory boards, who see enhanced rail infrastructure as critical to long-term economic competitiveness and workforce development.
Business leaders across sectors agree: improving Yorkshire’s rail system is not just about transport, it’s an economic imperative. They are now waiting for the upcoming Spending Review to signal whether Westminster will meet the region’s ambitions.
