Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Great British Railways: National Headquarters

Thursday 4 November 2021 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Great British Railways transition team is designing a selection process for the headquarters and details will be announced shortly.
  • My hon. Friend makes an excellent case. When the competition launches, everywhere with a strong railway connection will be able to apply, so we can find a new HQ for Great British Railways.
  • The hon. Lady is absolutely right. The competition has not been launched yet, but I am very impressed by the extent to which the whole House is in favour of their areas. York, of course, will have a very good bid.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kevin Hollinrake Con Thirsk and Malton
Transport
Context

The MP inquired about the location for the Great British Railways headquarters, given no decision has been made yet.

Question

What steps he is taking to identify the most suitable location for the headquarters of Great British Railways. The transition team is designing a selection process and details will be announced shortly.

Answer from Grant Shapps

The Great British Railways transition team is designing a selection process for the headquarters and details will be announced shortly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific steps or criteria were provided, only that a selection process is being designed and details will come later.

How: Process Answer

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Q2 Matt Vickers Con Stockton West
Transport
Context

The MP highlighted Stockton-on-Tees' historical significance in the railway industry and mentioned support from Michael Portillo and Thomas the Tank Engine for their bid.

Question

Stockton-on-Tees was home to the world's first passenger railway, where discussions about building that railway were held, the first track laid, and the first ticket sold. Last week, Michael Portillo backed our bid. Can the Secretary of State think of anywhere better than Stockton to be the home of Great British Railways?

Answer from Grant Shapps

My hon. Friend makes an excellent case. I was not aware of the Fat Controller's involvement, but that could well nail it. When the competition launches, everywhere with a strong railway connection will be able to apply, so we can find a new HQ for Great British Railways.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary did not explicitly confirm or deny Stockton's suitability as headquarters but suggested it would compete in an upcoming process.

How: Deflection

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Q3 Kevin Hollinrake Con Thirsk and Malton
Transport
Context

The MP pointed out York's strong railway heritage, workforce concentration, and appeal as a location.

Question

Putting Stockton to one side, not only does York have a unique railway heritage, but it is home to 10% of the national railway workforce. It is a beautiful and wonderful city. Does my right hon. Friend agree it would make the perfect home for the headquarters of Great British Railways?

Answer from Grant Shapps

It is also the home of many beautiful trains of the past, including the Mallard, which I went to see very recently. My hon. Friend makes a very strong case. I can see that the whole House is looking forward to entering the competition to find the new HQ for Great British Railways.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No direct agreement or disagreement on York's suitability as headquarters was given, only support for competition and praise for York's case.

How: Deflection

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Q4 Rachael Maskell Labour (Co-op) York Central
Transport
Context

The MP emphasized York's historical railway significance and its leadership in rail engineering, digital technology, and operations.

Question

But of course, Mr Speaker. York is not just about 200 years of the history of the railways; it is home to some of the leading rail engineers of the future and digital rail, as well as leadership from our operations and rail systems. This cannot just be about hotspots where people have their favoured city; it must also be about bringing the rail community together to ensure we make the most of the future for our rail systems. Will the Secretary of State look very closely at the bid from York?

Answer from Grant Shapps

The hon. Lady is absolutely right. I should point out that the competition has not been launched yet, but I am very impressed by the extent to which the whole House is in favour of their areas. York, of course, will have a very good bid. There is a serious point to this, which is that it is important we have the right HQ for Great British Railways, as we bring the entire network together.

Partly answered

Not addressed: While acknowledging York's strong case and impressing on competition not yet launched, the Secretary of State did not provide a commitment to closely examine York's bid specifically.

How: Process Answer

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