Q1: What’s the deal with this “Network North” thing?
A1: Ah, “Network North,” the phoenix rising from the ashes of HS2. It’s the latest sensation in the world of transportation. Brace yourselves!
Q2: So, how much money are they throwing around?
A2: Hold onto your hats, folks! Rishi Sunak promised to toss “every penny” from that abandoned £36 billion Birmingham-Manchester HS2 leg at Network North. They’re practically making it rain!
Q3: What’s Network North going to do exactly?
A3: Well, it’s going to be a real game-changer, supposedly. They’re talking about investing in roads, electrifying rail lines, and giving bus services a facelift. Exciting, right?
Q4: How does Sunak describe these projects?
A4: Sunak has a way with words, let me tell you. He calls them “the projects that will make a real difference across our nation.” Move over, moon landing, we’ve got Network North!
Q5: Are the Northern leaders on board with this grand plan?
A5: Oh, they’re positively thrilled. Andy Burnham from Greater Manchester says it’s like a “coherent plan that has been broken up and scattered around.” That’s one way to put it!
Q6: What’s the Manchester City Council Leader’s take on all this?
A6: Cllr Bev Craig is such a fan; she even used the word “rehashed.” She’s all for it, as long as we don’t mind leftovers served with a side of déjà vu.
Q7: Alright, break it down for me. What are the key Network North initiatives?
A7: Hold onto your seat because here we go:
- £12 billion to connect Manchester and Liverpool. A steal, really, considering we’ve already been throwing billions at it.
- Nearly £4 billion for six Northern city areas. A bit like buying the same gift twice and pretending it’s a surprise.
- A shiny £2.5 billion fund for smaller cities and towns, complete with déjà vu.
- Upgrades to the Energy Coast Line for jobs and coal mines because, why not?
- £3 billion to improve connections between major cities, shaving 23 minutes off your Manchester to Hull commute. Time flies when you’re having fun!
- Bradford is getting a new railway station and line connection, because every city deserves its train station, right?
- Potholes, you’re in luck! Nearly £3.3 billion is coming your way, and the M6 is about to get a makeover.
- The North East gets some dual action on the A1.
- Smaller roads get £460 million for 21 projects, each with a name you’ve never heard of.
- More than £700 million for bus service improvements, including exciting new routes to hospitals and business parks. Who said public transport can’t be an adventure?
Q8: Any other exciting news?
A8: Just a tad more! Liverpool and Greater Manchester are getting a top-up in their transport settlements because, well, why not spread the joy?
So there you have it, Network North, where déjà vu meets the promise of transportation miracles. Enjoy the “revolution”!
Network North 