PRIME Minister Boris Johnson said there is "definitely a commitment" to Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) while on a visit to West Yorkshire today - but could not confirm if it would include a Bradford city centre stop. 

It comes amid concerns the project could be scaled back and follow the existing Trans-Pennine line through Huddersfield and Dewsbury, rather than building a new high-speed rail between Leeds and Manchester, which would serve Bradford. 

Earlier this year, a bold vision for high-speed rail in Bradford was unveiled, with the station situated where St James' Market currently is, off Wakefield Road and Essex Street. 

Speaking on a visit to PPG Architectural Coatings in Birstall today, Mr Johnson said: "There is definitely a commitment to Northern Powerhouse Rail, and a huge investment in railways in the North."

But, he added: "I'm going to have to get back to you to give you chapter and verse on exactly where the stops are going to be, but we're going ahead both with HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail."

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin met with Transport Secretary Grant Shapps last week to seek reassurance on NPR plans and the uncertainty around a new station and line via Bradford.

She said he had refuted recent reports about the Government scaling back NPR in Bradford and added: "He reaffirmed his commitment to the city, acknowledging the need for Bradford’s young people in particular to be better connected to infrastructure and greater opportunities."

The long-awaited Integrated Rail Plan will set out further details about NPR and the Government's vision for rail.