Newcastle & Stoke MPs bring call for direct Manchester Airport train link to Parliament

Two North Staffordshire MPs presented petitions to Parliament yesterday, calling for a direct train link between Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station and Manchester Airport.

Adam Jogee MP and Gareth Snell MP each presented a petition on behalf of their constituents in the House of Commons chamber yesterday (2 September 2026).

The Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent Central MPs’ petitions were signed by over 970 North Staffordshire residents, demanding the government address the region’s need for better transport links to its nearest major international hub.

The region missed out in January’s Northern Powerhouse Rail announcement, with Adam Jogee raising this directly in the Commons at the time, pressing the Transport Secretary for a direct Stoke-to-Manchester Airport service. The Transport Secretary indicated that West Midlands Railway was looking into whether it can be done. Gareth Snell MP has also consistently pressed the case for improved rail connectivity to Manchester Airport, including during the House of Commons debate on High Speed Rail on 30th January 2018 and a debate on the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill on 11 June 2025, when he highlighted the need for a direct rail link from Stoke-on-Trent to the airport. The petitions presented to Parliament yesterday highlight the desire of residents across the region for the route to be implemented.

Passengers wanting to reach Manchester Airport from Stoke-on-Trent currently must either travel past the airport to Manchester Piccadilly and then double back, or change at Crewe, adding significant time and cost to the journey.

Adam Jogee MP, Member of Parliament for Newcastle-under-Lyme, said:

“People across Newcastle-under-Lyme deserve reliable, stress-free travel to access our nearest gateway to the world, without worrying about costly airport parking and taxi journeys. 

“North Staffordshire, and Newcastle-under-Lyme, has a brilliant offer for investors and global businesses. But that offer is only as strong as the ability to get here. Global companies and investors considering whether to engage with our universities and our local businesses will see accessibility as the most basic requirement. A direct rail link to Manchester Airport will make our offer to the world even more competitive.”

Gareth Snell MP, Member of Parliament for Stoke-on-Trent Central, said:

“A direct rail connection between Stoke-on-Trent and Manchester Airport would be a game changer. It would strengthen our appeal to investors, make it easier for businesses to connect with customers and markets around the world, and send a clear message that Stoke-on-Trent is open for business and ready to grow. Better connectivity would help drive investment, support local jobs and further demonstrates that Stoke-on-Trent is a fantastic place to live, work and do business.

“The benefits would also be felt by local families. Whether it is parents travelling with young children and suitcases, older passengers, disabled travellers or people heading off on a well-earned holiday, a direct train service would make journeys simpler, quicker and far less stressful. This is a practical change that would improve everyday life for residents while helping to unlock new economic opportunities for our city.“