PLANS for the Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) project will be “set out in detail soon”, according to a transport minister.

Kevin Foster made the commitment after Labour MP Alex Sobel (Leeds North West) pressed for guarantees that NPR will include a new line between Leeds and Manchester via Bradford.

Prime Minister Liz Truss has said Bradford will get a new station on the high-speed railway line to be built between Liverpool and Hull.

Mr Sobel told the Commons: “The previous prime minister made a promise on Northern Powerhouse Rail, then when the announcement came there was no new line.

“This Prime Minister made a promise on Northern Powerhouse Rail.

“Will we see a new line between Leeds and Manchester via Bradford, not an upgrade on the Transpennine line, when will the funding be delivered, and where will spades go in the ground, because we need that line for the growth the Government wants to see.”

Mr Foster replied: “I am delighted to note the support from the opposite benches for the statement the Prime Minister made last week, as I’m sure will she.

“We will certainly make sure that we set out in detail soon, having engaged with those in the region who have a clear interest – particularly in the detail of the plan and how we shall deliver the many benefits that project will bring, but also to ensure the impact of construction is minimised.”

Ms Truss has previously indicated she would reverse the decision to curtail NPR.

Transport for the North, which advises the Government on the region’s transport needs, recommended that new lines should be built between the cities.

But the Government’s Integrated Rail Plan sparked outrage among Northern leaders in November last year when it revealed that a new line would only be built on one section, with the rest of the route getting enhancements to existing lines.

Bradford and Hull were both excluded.

The Prime Minister doubled down on her support for NPR during an interview with ITV Calendar last week.

When asked if that it included a full, new line between Liverpool and Hull, including a stop in Bradford, she said: “It does.”

When asked when it would be delivered, she said the timetable would be set out “in due course.”

She added: “It will stop at Bradford, I’m very clear about that.”

After the interview, Bradford Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe said: “Today’s announcement by the Prime Minister is a positive step forward and I look forward to constructive conversations with Government about when we can start building."