A cross-party delegation of Cumbrian politicians met with rail minister Lord Hendy this week to make the case for a major upgrade of the Cumbrian Coast Line railway from Carlisle to Barrow.

The delegation included Whitehaven and Workington MP Josh MacAlister, Penrith and Solway MP Markus Campbell-Savours, Carlisle MP Julie Minns, Westmorland and Furness MP Tim Farron and the leaders of Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness councils.

In July, Cumbrian leaders and political figures wrote to the transport secretary to seek a commitment from the new government to upgrade the Cumbrian coast railway line.

Speaking after the meeting, Josh said: “We’re working together on a cross-party basis to make the strongest case we can for investment in our railway because of its importance to the whole of Cumbria, our people and our economy.

“While the Conservatives governed by press release, announcing projects they didn’t have a plan or any money to pay for, the new Labour government takes its fiscal responsibilities seriously. All projects are being reviewed and the Spending Review will lay out the investment this government will make in our railway infrastructure.

“Our meeting with the Minister was to make our initial pitch for the Cumbrian Coast Line and discuss next steps to get a plan together ready for the government when the Spending Review has concluded.

"Partners will now work together to refresh the business case for the upgrade in order to get that in front of ministers early next year so we are in the strongest position we can be to secure the funding we need.”

Former prime minister, Rishi Sunak, promised to 'upgrade' the energy coast train line linking Carlisle, Workington and Barrow after cancelling the leg of HS2 from Birmingham to Manchester.

The Energy Coast Rail upgrade would see more space for freight and passenger trains and improve the reliability of the line more broadly – both seen as essential to support inward investment and to meet the needs of businesses and communities along the length of the line and the wider rail network.

The new government is reviewing all railway projects and will lay out its future priorities in the Spending Review, which is due to be announced in March 2025.