Leeds and Sheffield Call for Enhanced Rail Links

Political and business leaders advocate for rail investment between Yorkshire’s largest cities

Leeds and Sheffield’s political and business representatives are set to meet at Westminster to press the government for significant rail investment aimed at improving connectivity between the two city regions. The event, scheduled for 22 October 2025 at the House of Commons, will feature leaders from Leeds City Council, Sheffield City Council, West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire Mayors, alongside public and private sector representatives.

Current challenges and economic impact

At present, Leeds and Sheffield, two of the North of England’s core cities, are connected by only one fast train per hour. The existing Victorian-era rail infrastructure is seen as a barrier to growth for both cities and the wider region. Combined, Leeds and Sheffield contribute nearly £50 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA), but research suggests the wider White Rose region could be losing up to £25 billion annually due to inadequate transport links.

Proposed improvements

The group is urging the government to support the Northern Powerhouse Rail project with a clear timetable and delivery plan. Their key proposals include:

• Increasing the frequency to four fast trains per hour between Sheffield and Leeds, aligning services with other comparable UK city routes.
• Enhancing capacity at Leeds City Station to serve as a central hub for onward travel and to accommodate the upcoming mass transit system.
• Upgrading Sheffield Midland Station and expanding the tram-train network to free up rail capacity on the main line.

Statements from regional leaders

Councillor James Lewis, Leeds City Council Leader, emphasised the economic potential unlocked by better rail links, stating that improved connectivity would benefit surrounding towns and communities by increasing access to jobs and housing.

Councillor Tom Hunt, Sheffield City Council Leader, highlighted Sheffield’s strengths in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and engineering, and called for expanded capacity at Sheffield Midland Station to support economic growth.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, criticised the current rail network as “creaking and unreliable” and called for faster services and station investment to overcome capacity and connectivity issues.

Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire Mayor, pointed out that Sheffield is the largest UK city without electrified rail and warned that Sheffield Midland Station will reach capacity by December. He also noted the importance of improved links for the proposed Rotherham Gateway station, which aims to connect the UK’s first Investment Zone and Innovation Spine to the Northern economy.

Background

The proposals form part of Yorkshire’s Plan for Rail, launched earlier in 2025 by regional mayors to advocate for fairer rail investment across the county. The leaders’ visit to Westminster aims to secure government commitment to the Northern Powerhouse Rail project, which is viewed as essential for the region’s future economic growth.