York council leader writes to Transport secretary over future of Great British Railways

Reports have cast doubt on whether the government will go ahead with the new public body

Author: Liam ArrowsmithPublished 12th Oct 2022
Last updated 12th Oct 2022

City of York council leader Keith Aspden has written to the transport secretary asking for reassurances over the future of Great British Railways (GBR).

It follows reports in The Guardian and The i in recent days, suggesting Anne-Marie Trevelyan is planning to scrap the new public body.

York is one of the city's bidding to host GBR, and it's estimated the project could bring hundreds of jobs and millions of pounds of investment.

Councillor Aspden said: "“If the recent rumours in the media are to be believed that the GBR plans could be scrapped, it would be a very worrying sign that would speak to this new Prime Minister’s lack of commitment to levelling up.

"I sincerely hope that Conservative party infighting is not the reason for this flagship project to be stepped back or cancelled.

"Not only would it be a wasted opportunity to create more jobs and grow the rail sector in York, but would also fail to deliver much needed service improvements for passengers."

Great British Railways was announced by then transport secretary Grant Shapps in 2021, with the aim of bringing Network Rail and operators together.

It followed a long delayed review of the rail industry, and promised to create a "simpler, better system."

The Department for Transport did not confirm if plans for GBR were still going ahead, but a spokesperson said: “The Secretary of State has made clear the Government’s commitment to modernising rail for passengers and freight, and transforming the industry so that it is sustainable for the future.

“We are continuing to work with the sector to tackle the challenges set out in the Plan for Rail, that continue to face the railway as it recovers from the pandemic.

"We remain committed to reforming our railways, improving journeys for passengers and creating a better, more modern UK rail industry."

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