Rachel Reeves To Spend Billions In Red Wall In Bid To See Off Reform Threat

Rachel Reeves will unveil the government's spending review next week.Billions of pounds of public money are to be spent on new transport projects across the Midlands and north of England as Labour tries to see off the threat of Reform UK.Rachel Reeves is ripping up Treasury rules so the government can invest more in Red Wall areas where support for Nigel Farage’s party is on the rise.The chancellor will unveil the £15.6 billion plans in a major speech on Wednesday ahead of next week’s government spending review.She will announce “a step change in how government approaches and evaluates the case for investing in our regions” following a review of the Treasury’s Green Book, which assesses the costs and benefits of major public projects.Reeves will say that has been done “to make sure that this government gives every region a fair hearing when it comes to investments”, amid concerns that too much taxpayers’ money is spent in the South East. Among the projects set to be given the green light is the Metro extension linking Washington to Newcastle and Sunderland, and the renewal of South Yorkshire’s tram network.A metro extension to Birmingham’s sports quarter is also set to be built, while the Metrolink tram network in Greater Manchester will get new stops in Bury, Oldham and Stockport town centre.Ministers say the projects will create jobs, boost economic growth and improve commutes for locals.Transport secretary Heidi Alexander, said: “Today marks a watershed moment on our journey to improving transport across the north and Midlands – opening up access to jobs, growing the economy and driving up quality of life.“For too long, people in the north and Midlands have been locked out of the investment they deserve.“With £15.6bn of government investment, we’re giving local leaders the means to drive cities, towns and communities forward, investing in Britain’s renewal so you and your family are better off.”A Treasury source denied that the government announcement was being driven by Labour nervousness at the growing popularity of Reform.The source told HuffPost UK: “It’s about showing we’re delivering. People want change and investment. We are delivering that.”Related...Cost Of Living Blow For Rachel Reeves As Inflation SoarsExclusive: Rachel Reeves Has Been Involved In Talks On Changing Labour's Winter Fuel Payment PolicyReform UK Campaigner Admits On BBC Question Time The Party's Sums Don't Add Up

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