Train Service between Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station and Manchester Airport

Happy birthday to you for yesterday, Madam Deputy Speaker. I rise to present a petition on behalf of hundreds of local people in Newcastle-under-Lyme who, like me, want a direct train connection between Stoke-on-Trent railway station and Manchester airport—a connection that will benefit constituents not just in Newcastle-under-Lyme but across Staffordshire, as can be seen by my colleagues who are here this evening. The petition states: The petition of residents of the constituency of Newcastle-under-Lyme, Declares that there is growing concern amongst residents and businesses about the poor connectivity between North Staffordshire and Manchester airport; notes that local people travelling to Manchester airport by rail must currently travel via Manchester Piccadilly on a train that passes the airport; further notes that the current reliance on a connection through Manchester Piccadilly risks a delayed journey, is inconvenient for bigger families with lots of luggage to carry, for older people, and for those who have mobility issues; further declares that too many people are forced to rely on a taxi which is often more expensive and is at the mercy of the M6, the A500 and the A34; further declares that a direct connection between Stoke-on-Trent and Manchester airport would be good for inward investment to this area, including for jobs for local people; further declares that a direct train connection will also help to ensure that Keele University and all the excellent businesses based at Keele Business Park are able to remain competitive with their rivals in other parts of our United Kingdom; and further notes the decision of August 2026 to confirm the roll-out of such a direct connection. The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government, the relevant train companies and the relevant local authorities to successfully and speedily deliver the direct train line connection for passengers who live learn and work in North Staffordshire between Stoke-on-Trent railway station and Manchester airport. And the petitioners remain, etc. [P003233]