PM Boris Johnson welcomes UK City of Culture 2025 bid

Last Friday night, Bradford was named as one of four shortlisted places, along with County Durham, Southampton and Wrexham County Borough, to be approved by Secretary of State for the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Nadine Dorries.

Speaking in the House of Commons today, Boris Johnson replied to Bradford West MP Naz Shah's call to back the bid by saying: "I congratulate Bradford on being shortlisted in the way that wonderful city has been."

The Labour MP was also keen to highlight, in her eyes, the city's only shortcoming, government support.

The long-awaited Integrated Rail Plan was published last November and led to anger throughout the North.

The much anticipated Northern Powerhouse Rail high-speed line, which Mr Johnson had said the Government "would get done" was dropped from future rail schemes for the North.

It was hoped the line, which would reduce journey times between the major cities in the North, would also include a new station in Bradford.

The plan was seen as a "betrayal" of the North by many.

Ms Shah said: "It would bring immense benefits and kudos to Britain's youngest city.

"We have over 120 languages spoken across Bradford, its unique cultural heritage, diversity.

"And let us not forget the amazing food, the birthplace of David Hockney and the Brontes.

"Bradford has it all! Apart from government support.

"One practical way in which he (the Prime Minister) could help is to reverse the Transport Secretary's snub to Bradford in the Integrated Rail Plan.

"So, I ask the Prime Minister will he look again at this and commit to delivering a real Northern Powerhouse rail, including a stop in Bradford City?

Mr Johnson added: "I think she is wrong about what the Integrated Rail Plan said because already it's committing to cutting the journey from Leeds to Bradford from 20 minutes to 12 minutes if I remember correctly.

"We are continuing to look at ways of making sure the high-speed rail goes direct to Bradford."