This weekend I helped to launch ‘Northern Futures’, an organisation dedicated to regenerating, rebalancing and renewing the North of England.

We need a new settlement for the North that promotes growth and challenges the huge regional inequalities in the UK. But this does not mean accepting the Tories’ delegation of cuts.

It has become increasingly clear that Osborne has no intention of creating a ‘Northern Powerhouse’. For example, just after the election it was announced that the Government was pausing the electrification of the Trans-Pennine railway.

Now a study by the University of Sheffield has been released indicating that planned infrastructure investment is heavily biased towards London at the expense of the North. The report shows that London will receive more investment than every other English region combined. Infrastructure investment in London is totals about £5,305 per person whereas Yorkshire and Humber lags behind at £851 per head in Yorkshire and Humberside.

Not only are the Tories blatantly ignoring their pre-election promises but their planned investment will actually inhibit the economic growth of the North.

If the Government want to create a true ‘Northern Powerhouse’ then they need to devolve power, not cuts. They need to provide substantial investment in infrastructure and growth; not play politics with the fate of the North.

If you want to be part of campaigning for the North, sign up to Northern Futures:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Northern-Futures/694478407354707?fref=pb&hc_location=profile_browser