MEN and Echo Join Forces To Call For Rail Link
2025For the first time in their history, the Manchester Evening News and the Liverpool Echo have joined forces to launch a joint campaign calling on the government to fund a new high-speed rail line between their two cities.
Though fewer than 40 miles apart, Manchester and Liverpool remain frustratingly disconnected by outdated Victorian infrastructure. Journeys between the two are often slow, unreliable, and unfit for a modern economy. Now, the two leading regional titles are speaking with one voice to demand change.
The campaign, launched to coincide with the government’s Spending Review, called for full funding of a fast rail link that would slash journey times to just over 30 minutes, with express trains running every 10 minutes. It’s a plan that promises to unlock economic growth, create jobs, and connect communities across the North West.
Editors Sarah Lester (MEN) and Maria Breslin (Echo) issued a joint statement: “Today, two great Northern cities and two historic Northern brands are coming together to call on the government to fully finance a vital fast train route between Liverpool and Manchester – starting to correct years of unfair funding to transport infrastructure in the North West.
“It is absurd that Manchester and Liverpool are just 40 miles apart but a journey between the two is rarely straightforward.
“This plan has the potential to supercharge the economy of the North West and wider regions and link together two of the UK’s great cities.
“It will bring potentially life-changing opportunities to those who live in Manchester and Liverpool, creating jobs, and driving regeneration in the way the Elizabeth Line has done in London.
“It is unprecedented for the Echo and the MEN to come together in this way but we feel the potential benefits to the region outweigh any traditional rivalries.”
The campaign also had the backing of the region’s political leaders, including Manchester mayor Andy Burnham. The campaign spotlighted the disparity in transport investment, where London continues to receive more than double the per-person funding compared to the North, and made the case for a modern, efficient rail link that reflects the ambition and potential of the region.
In June, MEN reported that the Chancellor of the Exchequer had set aside funding for a Manchester-Liverpool railway line.
“Steve and I have made the case over many years for better rail connectivity across the North West. While we haven't always had Whitehall with us, the MEN and the Echo have never left our side.
"We think there's no reason why the two cities that gave commuter railways to the world 200 years ago can't do it again. We came together 200 years ago to give commuter railways to the world and we are doing it again in the 21st century.”
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham