Business and political leaders from Suffolk are to meet shadow transport Secretary Louise Haigh later this month to plead for more rail investment on the line from Felixstowe to Peterborough.

They want an incoming Labour government to promise to rebuild junctions around Ely - and to upgrade Haughley junction just north of Stowmarket.

To demonstrate the national importance of the long-delayed projects, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce has brought together a wide range of stakeholders and want a future Labour administration to prioritise the Ely/Haughley projects before any other rail schemes.

Stephen Britt, chair of Suffolk Chamber’s Transport and Infrastructure Groups, said: “Over many years, Suffolk Chamber has worked with partners to make the case for the Ely Area Capacity Enhancement (EACE) and Haughley Junctions programmes."

He said the schemes were vital to expand the number of both freight and passenger trains able to use the route.

The Chamber has been in regular correspondence with both Rt Hon Mark Harper MP, Secretary of State for Transport and Rail Minister Huw Merriman MP, urging them to push ahead with the schemes.

Chamber representatives have also pushed the case for the schemes in recent meetings with Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves and shadow chief secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones.

Paul Simon, head of public affairs at Suffolk Chamber, added: “With every pound spent on the projects likely to produce £5 in benefits, the case for Ely/Haughley is overwhelming.”

The meeting on May 21 has been organised by Jack Abbott, Labour's Candidate for Ipswich and  will be attended by representatives from the Port of Felixstowe, Rail Freight Group, Greater Anglia, logistics companies, and representatives from other bodies including metro mayors in the Midlands and the North.

Mr Abbott said: “The Ely and Haughley junction upgrades are absolutely critical to the future prosperity of Ipswich, Suffolk and our wider region.

“We are all so frustrated that two comparatively straightforward schemes have been left gathering dust after nearly a decade and a half of Government indecision.

"I’m delighted to be pressing our case with Louise Haigh, shadow Transport Secretary, in a few weeks’ time.”