Supertram would link the city centre with the suburbs

Greg Mulholland, who took Leeds North West from Labour, urged that a decision should be made as soon as possible.

He told MPs: "We have a situation where nothing is being done to address the ever worsening problems of congestion."

The government suspended the project in 2004 after costs spiralled and is now considering a revised scheme.

Mr Mulholland claimed the whole city is backing Supertram.

"We need the government to back it too and give us a 21st century transport system to suit our 21st century city," he continued.

Supertram would pass through Greg Mulholland's constituency

A spokesman for Metro, the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority, said that at a meeting in March with city leaders, the then transport minister Tony McNulty had asked for further information about the revised plans.

This has been supplied and with the general election over Metro has again written to the Department for Transport reminding them that a decision needs to be made.

A pressing concern is that compulsory purchase powers which Metro has to buy land needed for Supertram expire next March.

The spokesman said that if land is to be bought in time, a go-ahead needs to be given by the beginning of September.

"This could be difficult to meet if ministers fail to agree funding before the House of Commons begins its summer break on 21 July," he added.

Three Supertram routes are planned, running into the east, south and north of Leeds.