Tensions are rising in London. The recent election of Andy Burnham as Prime Minister has triggered concern among London residents, who are now led by someone with deep ties to the North and a noticeable regional accent. Burnham is seen as a true 'proper Northerner,' marking a departure from previous Prime Ministers who represented Northern constituencies but were born elsewhere. This has stirred fears of a dramatic shift in national priorities.
The Evening Standard has played a major role in amplifying these worries. Recent headlines suggest a dire financial outlook for Londoners, warning of a potential property tax hike and the threat of middle-class migration out of the capital. These sensational claims have deepened the sense that Burnham is an outsider, prompting one cabinet minister to step in and reassure voters that the South will not be overlooked. The newly ennobled mayor has also pointed out that London's fortunes are closely tied to the rest of the nation, arguing that any harm to the capital would also damage the wider UK.
To address the growing unease in London, there is a solution that could quickly win support. The West London Orbital Railway (WLO) is a proposed project to expand the London Overground network from West Hampstead and Hendon to Hounslow. The plan would repurpose existing freight lines and add four new stations. This would link key rail and tube lines, including the Bakerloo, Elizabeth, Jubilee, Mildmay, and Piccadilly lines, as well as HS2 and Thameslink. The 18.5 km of track needed is mostly already in place.
The WLO is more than just a transportation upgrade—it's a catalyst for economic development. It could unlock around 15,800 new homes and create about twice as many jobs as the proposed extension of the DLR to Thamesmead, at a much lower cost. Priced at £610 million, the WLO is significantly cheaper than major projects such as the £40 billion Crossrail 2 and the £8.2 billion Bakerloo line extension. Construction could be completed in just three to four years, potentially allowing Burnham to oversee the project's completion if he remains in office.
Despite its advantages, London cannot afford to fund the WLO alone. Transport for London (TfL) is among the most indebted local authorities in the UK, with a staggering £13.9 billion in debt. This includes the £4 billion cost overrun from the Elizabeth Line, the Northern Line extension to Battersea, and the upcoming £1.7 billion DLR extension bill. These financial burdens show that London should not be forced to shoulder the cost of projects that benefit the nation as a whole, while other regions receive more support.
Instead, the Treasury should fully fund the WLO. This would be a strategic investment in a city that generates more tax revenue than it receives in public spending. For less than £1 billion, Burnham could ease London's fears and offer real benefits: more housing, job opportunities, and shorter commutes. This project could shift the narrative, showing that Burnham is capable of balancing regional interests with the needs of London, the economic heart of the country. James Ford, who served as an advisor to former London Mayor Boris Johnson, supports this idea.
With Burnham's leadership shaping up to be a defining moment in British politics, the WLO could be the perfect opportunity to build trust and demonstrate fairness. For Londoners, it could transform a sense of impending loss into one of optimism and growth. For the wider UK, it could symbolize a new era of cooperation between the capital and the North. The choice is clear—funding the WLO could be a small investment with big rewards.
The current mood in London is one of uncertainty and fear. Burnham's regional background and perceived priorities have left many in the capital feeling anxious about the future. But a thoughtful and practical solution like the West London Orbital Railway can change the tide. By showing a commitment to London's growth and prosperity, Burnham could turn a potential crisis into a win-win for the entire nation. City AM