Crewe could once again be at the heart of the UK's rail network, following reports the government is set to announce plans for a new rail link between Birmingham and Manchester.

According to the BBC, ministers are expected to confirm proposals for new and improved connections as part of Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) on Wednesday 14 January.

Previous plans for the HS2 high-speed line between the two cities were scrapped in 2023 under Rishi Sunak's government, a decision that had significant implications for rail hubs such as Crewe.

According to the BBC, ministers are expected to confirm proposals for new and improved connections as part of Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) on Wednesday 14 January (Photo: Ryan Parker).

MP for Crewe and Nantwich, Connor Naismith, told Nub News: "This is a major step forward in my campaign to unpick the Tory decision in 2023 to scrap HS2 in the north of England, which had a catastrophic impact on my Crewe and Nantwich constituency.

"Through my #ConnectCrewe campaign, I pressed home to the government the importance of Crewe to our rail network, including meeting with ministers and writing to the Chancellor and the Transport Secretary.

"Improved rail infrastructure through Northern Powerhouse Rail presents an opportunity to capitalise on the connectivity of our region, and future plans to connect Birmingham and Manchester will bring increased prosperity to our region.

"The economic and strategic benefits for my constituency of Crewe and Nantwich and the wider region are too important to be left to chance, so I will continue to positively make the case for this project to go ahead.

"As I have stated in my communications with ministers, the government has an opportunity to not just bring connectivity to the North, but to do so in a way that truly benefits every region of the UK.

MP for Crewe and Nantwich, Connor Naismith, says the latest NPR news is a 'major step forward' in his #ConnectCrewe campaign (Photo: Ryan Parker).

"Crewe's strategic importance cannot be ignored and it must remain central to that vision."

Crewe has long been recognised as one of the UK's most important rail towns, acting as a key junction linking the Midlands, the North West and beyond.

The proposed rail improvements are seen locally as a chance to reinforce Crewe's status as a national rail hub, support jobs, and unlock further economic growth for the town and surrounding areas.

READ MORE: Crewe to submit official bid for UK Town of Culture 2028.

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Crewe Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

Subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter email HERE - just click the 'SIGN UP' button.

Please consider following Crewe Nub News on Facebook and Twitter.