House of Commons · Westminster Hall
10 September 2025 · 9 other contributors · 8,074 words
Opened by Alan Strickland Lab Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor
Responding minister: Stephanie Peacock
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Alan Strickland raised concerns about stockton and darlington railway: 200th anniversary festival in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
No specific asks from the lead MP but rather to celebrate the rich history and legacy of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The debate celebrates a pivotal moment in history: the first steam-powered passenger train which marked the birth of public rail travel. The event had a profound impact on social, cultural, and industrial heritage around the world. It was crucial for innovation and invention that shaped modern railway systems.
Congratulates on securing the debate and celebrates both transport heritage and future, emphasizing the importance of modal shift to rail for decarbonisation and economic power. Asked about an ambition to make another seismic shift in transport advancement inspired by railway heritage.
Acknowledges the success of Derby's Railway 200 celebrations, emphasising the role of volunteers and the importance of looking towards future railway heritage.
Commended Alan Strickland for securing the debate and emphasized the importance of celebrating individual cultural heritage, referencing his own constituency's rich history starting from 1606.
The Stockton and Darlington railway was a pivotal moment in shaping Britain's economy and social fabric. Heritage railways contribute £600 million to the UK economy annually, welcoming 13 million visitors each year.
Myer highlights the historic significance of Edward Pease's decision to fund the Stockton and Darlington railway, emphasizing its role in industrial growth. He criticizes the current state of public transport on Teesside and calls for a feasibility study to restore passenger trains along the Boulby line. Discussed the historical link of Middlesbrough's growth to rail arrival, emphasizing its importance for people and economy.
Wilkinson emphasizes the importance of railways in Britain's economic success, citing the Stockton and Darlington railway as a catalyst for technological advancements and modern engineering feats. He notes that Brits took over 1.7 billion railway journeys last year. Heritage railways should focus on modernising infrastructure, bringing down fares and expanding connectivity to pay tribute to George Stephenson and the legacy of the Stockton and Darlington railway.
Celebrates the international heritage festival taking place across County Durham and Tees Valley, highlighting its contribution not just to the country but worldwide.
Celebrated Carlisle's role in railway heritage, highlighting the creation of Locomotion No.1 by Stephenson company which went on to create iconic engines like the Stephenson’s Rocket.
Commends the hon. Member for Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor, highlighting the National Railway Museum's celebrations in York including new artefacts and the opening of a station hall.
Government Response
Stephanie PeacockThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
The Government are proud to support the Stockton and Darlington Railway 200 festival, which celebrates the region’s unique contribution to rail history. Funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and its arm's length bodies has helped communities to celebrate their heritage, with more than £100 million invested in heritage rail projects since 1994 by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The fund awarded a grant of more than £3 million to Darlington borough council for the Stockton and Darlington railway project, which created Hopetown, a new railway attraction that opened last year. Additionally, Historic England has provided over £2.3 million in investment to rejuvenate and restore the historical railway as part of its action zone established in 2018. The Government are working with Network Rail and partners across the country to deliver the Railway 200 festival, exploring how rail shaped Britain and the world.