SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon will today promise to help cities in the North of England rebalance the national economy as part of her party's manifesto commitment.

The pledge is designed to prove the nationalist party is committed to a broader UK agenda in the event it holds the balance of power in Westminster after the general election.

Ms Sturgeon will claim the SNP is natural allies of MPs in the north of England and as such would support increased infrastructure and transport expenditure – including a high speed rail connection between Glasgow, Edinburgh and the north of England