A BRADFORD MP has called for the city to be made an early priority for investment under the Government’s No10 North scheme.
Imran Hussain, the Labour MP for Bradford East, has written to Louise Haigh, the First Secretary of State, urging central government to back the city’s economic ambitions through coordinated support and infrastructure funding.
He is requesting a meeting to discuss what he describes as the “unlocking” of Bradford’s economic potential.
MP pushes for city to be an early No10 North priority
Mr Hussain said: "Bradford has enormous potential, but for too long our city has been held back by poor connectivity, underinvestment, and important decisions becoming trapped between different parts of government.
"The announcement of a new city centre railway station is a major milestone after years of campaigning.
"But it must be delivered as a through station, connecting Bradford properly with Leeds, Huddersfield, Manchester, and the wider northern economy.
"No10 North was created to deliver good growth in every postcode.
Bradford East MP Imran Hussain (Image: PA)
"Bradford should be one of the first places where that promise is turned into investment, jobs, and opportunities.
'Bradford has waited long enough'
"Investing in Bradford is not simply about correcting historic inequality.
"It could unlock billions of pounds in additional economic output and generate growth across West Yorkshire and the wider country.
"Bradford has waited long enough and must not once again be placed at the back of the queue.
"No10 North must deliver for Bradford."
No10 North was launched by the Government to give mayors and local leaders a direct route into decision-making.
It is designed to break down departmental barriers and accelerate plans for regional growth.
(Image: Parliament)
£4.5bn growth potential highlighted
A government spokesperson said: "No10 North exists to get power out of Westminster and into the hands of local communities, spreading growth and opportunity across the country.
"Bradford and West Yorkshire are already seeing that approach in action, from the new Bradford Interchange station to No10 North working with local leaders to help accelerate plans for West Yorkshire’s mass-transit network."
Child poverty in Bradford East stands at 54.6 per cent.
Officials believe that matching national averages for productivity, enterprise, and employment could add more than £4.5 billion to the city’s annual economic output.
Mr Hussain has welcomed that commitment but warned that it must now deliver meaningful investment for Bradford.
He has called for No10 North to work closely with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and other partners to deliver a through-line city-centre station, set firm timetables for transport improvements, and increase investment in high streets, housing, and regeneration.
Other priorities include support for modern NHS facilities and skills funding aimed at helping Bradford's young people into employment.