Stockton North MP frustrated by Great British Railways snub
Alex Cunningham's released a statement, after the news that Stockton is not on the shortlist
Last updated 5th Jul 2022
Stockton North's MP has expressed his frustration after Stockton was left off the shortlist for locations for the new Great British Railways HQ.
It's hoped the new body - announced in the Queen's Speech in May - will simplify things and improve passenger service.
It'll absorb Network Rail and carry out many of the functions currently done by the Department for Transport.
The 6 locations that have been picked for the shortlist are;
Newcastle, Derby, Crewe, York, Birmingham and Doncaster.
Alex Cunningham says;
“It is incredibly disappointing that the Stockton Railway HQ bid has been rejected by the Government.
“We’re three years away from the two-hundredth anniversary of the first ever passenger-by-steam-locomotive journey from Stockton to Darlington and bringing the headquarters to Stockton would have been a perfect way to celebrate this milestone.
“Establishing the railway headquarters in Stockton would also have created jobs, supported the local economy and complemented the great work of Stockton Borough Council to re-develop Stockton High Street.
"I can’t help but feel that this is a missed opportunity for the Conservative Government to demonstrate that “levelling up” is more than just a buzzword.”