Autumn statement: Chancellor invests in new transport links for the region

Chancellor Philip Hammond leaves 11 Downing Street, London, for the House of Commons as he prepares to deliver his Autumn Statement. Credit: PA

Chancellor Phillip Hammond has announced funding of £137m to majorly improve transport links across the East.

In his Autumn Statement, Mr Hammond confirmed investment of £110m for the East-West rail link running between Cambridge and Oxford.

Journey times between Oxford and Bedford would be cut from two hours and 20 minutes to just over an hour.

The move is designed to accelerate construction of the western section of the East West Rail line. Credit: PA

He also confirmed a £27m investment to plan for a faster route for drivers between the two university cities. The development funding could cut journey times by up to 40%.

The Chancellor said his first, and now last, Autumn address was for a new chapter in the UK's history. Credit: PA

The Cambridgeshire charity Magpas has also been awarded with £1m.