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WRITING FOR CHRONICLELIVE, THE PRIME MINISTER SETS OUT MAJOR PLANS FOR A METRO EXTENSION AND OTHER PUBLIC TRANSPORT BOOSTS KEIR STARMER, PRIME MINISTER 18:43, 03 Jun 2025Updated 10:41, 04

Jun 2025 My government is driving a devolution revolution. I want to see renewal in every community in Britain. It’s common sense. If we want our country to be a success, we need to make it

possible for every person, every town, every city and every region to succeed, to put more money in their pockets and more opportunities in their hands. One thing is crystal clear. We will

not get the renewal we need by focussing only on the South East, and ignoring the huge potential of the rest of the nation. For too long, the mindset of previous governments has been to

hoard power and potential behind the walls of Westminster. The result? Proud places across the country have been neglected and left behind. We’re helping them get ahead. Today we are

announcing £15.6bn in funding for local transport projects in England’s city regions. That’s the biggest ever cash boost for local transport in England. What does that mean for the North

East? To put it simply, we’re putting in £1.8bn to transform public transport in your region. This will make it possible to fund a Metro extension that links Newcastle and Sunderland via

Washington, serving one of the largest advanced manufacturing zones in the UK. Article continues below It will provide stations with necessary upgrades, contactless smart ticketing and a

huge increase in EV charging points. We’ll create new walking and cycling ‘superhighways’ across the region. New priority bus measures will improve bus stops and interchanges. And I am

absolutely determined to deliver on the ambition to create the ‘Angel Network’ – a fully integrated sustainable transport network serving the North East. All of this will create jobs. It

will improve people’s commutes. It will mean bigger labour markets for employers and more opportunity for workers. And it will mean a better connected area for people to live and work in. At

the same time, we’re boosting funding to fix the potholes that blight drivers and businesses. We’re building new houses at pace, giving mayors more responsibility for housing and planning

in their communities to help local families get on the housing ladder. We’re giving local authorities control over adult skills funding, so young people and gain the skills for the jobs

local businesses need. All of this is about pushing power out of Westminster and putting it back in the hands of communities who know what they need. That’s why, two weeks ago, I hosted

mayors from across the country, including Kim McGuinness, in Downing Street to continue our work boosting local growth and investment. Article continues below Kim has already pledged £1.8m

to Durham to improve hundreds of bus stops throughout the county, so journeys are more comfortable with new bus shelters and accessible bus stops. And by working hand in hand with those with

skin in the game, we can go further to grasp the opportunities of the future and take advantage of the North East’s unique potential to create good, well paid jobs. This is about the power

of partnership. And it’s about unlocking potential in every corner of the country. With our Plan for Change, we will put more money in your pocket, give the North East every chance to

flourish and grow, and create opportunities for every person.