Local politicians have criticised the government after Hull was not included in new plans for a major rail project in the North of England.
The multibillion-pound Northern Powerhouse Rail scheme aims to deliver faster journeys and more frequent trains across the North through a combination of upgraded and new lines, and improvements to stations including Leeds, Sheffield and York.
Hull City Council leader Mike Ross said the region had been “failed again”.
The government said the “transformation” of travel in the North would shorten commutes and encourage investment across the region, adding up to £40bn to the British economy. The BBC has asked for a comment regarding Hull.
The Northern Powerhouse project was first proposed by former Conservative chancellor George Osborne in 2014.
Later, in 2023, Rishi Sunak pledged £3bn for upgraded and electrified lines between Manchester and Sheffield, Sheffield and Leeds, Sheffield and Hull, and Hull to Leeds after announcing the HS2 high-speed rail line from Birmingham to Manchester would be scrapped.
In its announcement on Wednesday, the Labour government said its rail project would now be delivered in phases, starting with upgrades to lines between Leeds, York, Bradford and Sheffield, but made no mention of Hull.
The second phase would be the building of a new route between Liverpool and Manchester, and the third would improve connections between Manchester and cities in Yorkshire, according to the outline of the plan.
Liberal Democrat Ross said: “It is an absolutely shocking failure from our Labour MPs and Reform UK mayor to see our region failed again when it comes to northern powerhouse rail.
“Hull has heard warm words and vague promises on rail investment for far too long.”
Hull and East Yorkshire mayor Luke Campbell has been approached for comment.
Ross said the government had the opportunity to set out its commitment to making electrification happen.
“They have failed to do so,” he said.
“This is a real let-down for this region and it’s frankly not good enough.”
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, portfolio holder for highways and transport, said NPR had “been talked about for over a decade, yet our city is still waiting for clarity and commitment.
“Hull deserves to be treated on a par with other cities across the North,” he added.
The Labour MP for Hull West and Haltemprice, Emma Hardy, said: “It’s important that any upgrades deliver real benefits for Hull, and I have requested a meeting with the rail minister to discuss this.”
Independent campaign group Railfuture Yorkshire welcomed the wider proposals, but said it was concerned by the lack of funding for other essential regional upgrades.
Chair Nina Smith said: “Years of underinvestment have left Yorkshire’s rail network creaking at the seams.
“Trains are overcrowded and delays commonplace. Railfuture welcomes the government’s commitment to invest in the North’s railways, but we are concerned that the proposals do not go far enough and will not be delivered fast enough.”
Henri Murison, chief executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, an organisation set up to support the coordinated economic development of the north of England, said he would be campaigning for further rail investment in Hull.
“I’m absolutely committed to working with the business community and local leaders to find a solution to get electrically powered trains to Hull,” he added.