Andy MacNae

Andy MacNae

Labour — Rossendale and Darwen

Speaking in the House of Commons on 12 November 2026

Debate

Business of the House

Contribution

Rossendale remains the only local authority area in a north without a commuter rail link, despite being only 15 miles from central Manchester. The line still exists and just needs reinstating as a commuter service. That would be a game changer for Rossendale and the economy of east Lancashire and is exactly the sort of scheme that would increase the economic impact of Northern Powerhouse Rail, yet its progress is agonisingly slow and faces multiple hurdles. Does the Leader of the House agree that if we are to deliver good growth in every postcode, we must prioritise connecting our towns as much as our cities?

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