THE announcement to halt the electrification of the TransPennine Express Route sent ricochets across York.

This signalled an end to the Government’s major transport investment in the North since the route upgrade was cited as the artery through which to build industrial growth in Northern towns and cities; it proved that the ‘Northern Powerhouse’ had literally turned into a ‘Northern Powercut’.

The previous day three other electrification projects were cut, while on the following day, ‘Crossrail 2’ in the South received the Government’s endorsement and taxpayer’s money.

Yet again the Government turning its back on our part of the country.

Taking on the role of Shadow Rail Minister at such a crucial time has given me even more opportunity to scrutinise the Government’s failed approach to transport, and to set out a clear alternative.

Unlike the development of the railways, built around profit opportunity, much as it is today, for the first time in the history of rail, I am setting out how transport development must be linked with opportunities for economic growth – first bringing reparation to our tired infrastructure and then investment in new opportunities.

Public transport must be seen as our prime mode of transport, but with prices due to rise again next week, having already risen by 27per cent since the 2010, it has proved that the fragmented, privatised industry has failed the public, while at the same time, capacity is creaking with overcrowded trains, not running at maximum frequency.

The digital signalling project, based here in York, marks the next opportunity for growth of the rail system, however we still need to ensure safety, sustainability, high standards and good service are paramount.

Urgent investment is needed in upgrading the East Coast route, to stop frequent delays on the line, something I have raised on a number of occasions in Parliament, and without investment in upgrading the power capability on the line, the new ‘Azuma’ trains won’t be able to ‘zoom’.

How that power is sourced across the network will form the basis of Labour’s energy policy.

Next we urgently need proper investment in buses, to not only ensure smooth transition between rail and all communities but also to help people make a positive choice to opt for a bus.

Again, capacity, convenience, connectivity and cost need asserting into a sound transport plan, but there is no excuse not to upgrade every bus with green technology to address the poor air quality on our roads.

When I look to European cities who have invested in cycling and walking, it’s inexcusable how this has been so ignored here.

York could be the UK’s walk-cycling city prototype, ensuring we optimise gain from the health and fitness benefits, purer air, and fewer car users. It is possible, and Labour has the vision to make it a reality.

Of course we also understand the need for investment in the next generation of cars too, but this cannot be the sum total of the Government’s clean air strategy.

This July the Government failed to respond to legislation, having already been dragged to court on four occasions for air quality failure, while over 40,000 people die prematurely each year from related diseases.

Unlike the Government, Labour’s investment plan in the economy, energy, transport, the environment and our health is intrinsically and strategically linked.

York, the North and the nation will have an exciting future under Labour.