The Transport for the North's proposals for a £70 billion investment in northern infrastructure by 2050 has been lauded as a "key milestone" for the UK as a whole.

The Strategic Transport Plan (STP) outlines how this investment could contribute towards an additional £100 billion in economic growth for the North's economy, creating 850,000 extra jobs.

Barry White, Chief Executive of Transport for the North, said: "The Strategic Transport Plan is a hugely important document for the North. It is our vision for a prosperous pan-Northern future and outlines how investment in transport could transform our economy.

"For the people of the North, this will mean more choice over where they live and work, access to higher quality jobs and better connections to friends and families. It will mean our businesses have more opportunity to collaborate, trade and grow in a sustainable way.

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"This final Plan will be a statutory document written by the North, for the North, and will be our blueprint to deliver transformational change and leave a legacy for future generations."

Welcoming the announcement, Matthew Fell, CBI Chief UK Policy Director, added: "Transport for the North's (TfN) vision to improve vital transport infrastructure over the next few decades is a key milestone for the North of England, and the UK as a whole.

"The plans for better connections between the towns, cities and international gateways that will assist the North's long-term growth reflect business priorities across the country.

"High quality and reliable infrastructure keeps the economy moving, drives growth, and has a tremendous impact on productivity. These plans will also create hundreds of thousands of new jobs, bringing new opportunities to communities.

"TfN's vision shows what can be achieved when business and local political leaders work together in the best interests of their regions."

(CM/MH)