The government’s 45 billion-pound plan to upgrade railways in the north, which includes a new line between Liverpool and Manchester, more electrification and a potential line between Birmingham and Manchester at least partly on the alignment of abandoned HS2 has been welcomed by civic leaders, but some observers are doubtful.

The government has announced plans for a new railway between Manchester and Liverpool. The government said its plans will boost economic potential and living standards in the north, with more reliable and more frequent trains serving major cities, adding up to 40 billion pounds a year to the economy.