Bradford South MP Judith Cummins called on the government invest properly in Northern transport infrastructure to “prevent a repeat of the unacceptable service” passengers have suffered in recent months.

During a Westminster Hall debate this morning, Mrs Cummins said: “Passengers in Bradford and across Yorkshire have now experienced almost a year of delays, cancellations, and disrupted service. Despite this, fares continue to rise above inflation. It’s simply not good enough because we deserve better.”

She added: "Northern rail, which serves Bradford on the Leeds-Bradford line, the Airedale line, and the Wharfdale line, has provided an especially poor service.”

She urged government to commit to revising the way rail investment decisions are made.

“As a start they should commit to working with Transport for the North to deliver Northern Powerhouse Rail as a priority. Bradford, like other towns and cities across the North, urgently needs this high speed rail link to meet growing demand and to fulfil our economic potential," she said.

“It is only by investing in rail infrastructure, properly planning for future timetable changes, and ensuring that passengers’ interests are at the heart of our rail system that we can prevent a repeat of the unacceptable service we have seen in recent months.”

Mrs Cummins said: “I’ve got to say the frustration from me as a Bradford MP in not being properly connected with the rest of the North is immense.

"Not only are we not properly connected, with all the problems that causes, but it limits the opportunities that my constituents have in terms of going forward with learning, development and jobs, and this is crucial for a city like mine.”