Great British Railways National Headquarters 2021-11-04
2021-11-04
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP inquired about the location for the Great British Railways headquarters, given no decision has been made yet.
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.
The Great British Railways transition team is designing a selection process for the headquarters and details will be announced shortly.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific steps or criteria were provided, only that a selection process is being designed and details will come later.
Process Answer
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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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.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary did not explicitly confirm or deny Stockton's suitability as headquarters but suggested it would compete in an upcoming process.
Deflection
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP pointed out York's strong railway heritage, workforce concentration, and appeal as a location.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
No direct agreement or disagreement on York's suitability as headquarters was given, only support for competition and praise for York's case.
Deflection
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP emphasized York's historical railway significance and its leadership in rail engineering, digital technology, and operations.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
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.
Process Answer
Response accuracy