The transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin has visited Liverpool to see the benefits of a number of government-funded transport programmes. The initiatives are part of a wider push to realise the government’s vision of a northern powerhouse.

At the Port of Liverpool, a £300 million investment by Peel Ports and a £35 million government grant are creating the first semi-automated container terminal in the UK, Liverpool 2, as well as dredging the bay to allow access for larger ships. It is expected to create 5,000 jobs over the next ten years.

Mr McLoughlin also visited Knowsley Business Park, where £5.6 million is being spent to upgrade the surrounding roads.

He said: “This £5.6 million to improve links to Knowsley Business Park will unlock economic growth. We are spending nearly £15 million on transport links to the new Parkside freight terminal and upgrading the M6 as part of our £15.2 billion plan to improve this country’s roads.”