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Julian Sturdy - Strong Voice for York Outer

Julian Sturdy

Member of Parliament for York Outer

Latest News & Campaigns

Julian joins Lobular Moon Shot Project

Julian joins Lobular Moon Shot Project

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Julian leads group of North Yorkshire MPs in calling for Great British Railways to be based in York 

October 21, 2021

Julian has today written to the Transport Secretary in support of York’s bid to become the home of Great British Railways.

The letter was co-signed by local MPs Nigel Adams, Andrew Jones, Kevin Hollinrake and Robert Goodwill who are also getting behind the campaign to bring the new public body to York.  

Announced by the Government earlier this year, Great British Railways will bring the ownership and management of the railways under one structure, with the organisation responsible for collecting fare revenue, running and planning the network and setting most fares and timetables.  

At the beginning of October, the Secretary of State, Grant Shapps announced that the Government were looking for a town or city in the UK to host the new body, with the associated investment and employment opportunities. City of York Council have been quick to register their interest, citing the current and historic importance of the railways in York and suggesting the York Central brownfield site as the ideal location for the new headquarters.  

Commenting on the letter to the Transport Secretary, Julian said:

 “This is an exciting time for the UK rail industry, with significant investment and reforms being proposed by the Government. At the heart of this is the new organisation Great British Railways, which promises to simplify the current structure and make rail travel more straightforward for passengers.  

When announcing that the Government was looking for a location for the new headquarters of GBR, the Transport Secretary said the town or city would come to be known at the home of the railways. To me it is clear that he should look no further than York. Our city’s railway heritage is world famous, hosting the National Railway Museum for over 40 years. More than this though, we have unrivalled railway connections and a thriving modern day industry, employing over 5,500 people or 10% of the national railway workforce. 

I would like to thank my North Yorkshire colleagues who have co-signed this letter and backed York’s bid. It is our shared view that location of GBR in York will bring much needed investment to both the city and the wider region, making a not insignificant contribution to the Government’s levelling up agenda.  

Indeed as we made clear in our letter, in York Central, the city has the added benefit of offering a conveniently located brownfield site that is ready to be developed, offering easy access to the adjacent railway network.  

I will continue to work with both the city council and colleagues in Parliament in working to persuade the Government of the strength of York’s case.”