POLITICAL and business leaders have made the case for better transport for the North direct to Lord Adonis.

The former Labour minister, who has been appointed chair of a new National Infrastructure Commission, visited Newcastle as part of a two-day fact-finding trip.

He held talks with Newcastle City Council leader Nick Forbes, Gateshead Council leader Mick Henry, North East Chamber of Commerce chief executive James Ramsbotham and David Land, from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership.

Councillor Forbes said: “Building on the work that’s already been done to develop a Northern Transport Strategy, this was a timely opportunity to talk to Lord Adonis on the connections between the North-East and other key cities in the North, which is one of the commission’s core focus areas.

“Transport is the life blood of a growing and thriving economy. Better connections between the towns and cities of the North will give benefits that will be felt far and wide. This requires commitment and investment over the long term and we welcome the support of the National Infrastructure Commission and Government to help drive forward our ambitious agenda.”