Council Leader hits out at shambolic GBR process and vows to continue supporting York’s rail sector

Following confirmation that York has not been successful in the competition to be the new home of Great British Rail, Council Leader Keith Aspden has hit out at the Government’s approach to the process and levelling up, and committed to continue to campaign for more investment in the city’s rail sector.

42 cities and towns bid in the national competition, which was launched back in spring. York was amongst the 6 finalists announced today in July alongside Birmingham, Crewe, Derby, Doncaster and Newcastle. We understand that the final decision was made by the new Secretary of State for Transport and is set to be confirmed this week.

Liberal Democrat Council Leader Keith Aspden commented:

“It is of course disappointing news for York and the North of England that we have not been chosen to be the new home of GBR, despite our excellent bid. Whilst our bid this time has been unsuccessful, we have already secured the move of hundreds of civil service job to York and work continues to establish a Government hub on the York Central site.

“Just like the Government’s ongoing approach to levelling up, the way the contest has been run is an absolute shambles. From delays to reversals of plans, this is just the latest showing from this shambolic Government. The contest has become little more than a headline and election boost to marginal Tory seats. The Government has once again abandoned its levelling up promises.

“GBR was never just about jobs or what now looks to be a small HQ, it was about comprehensive much needed reforms, which seem to have been shelved. The GBR project represented a real opportunity for integration of railways and improvements to services for passengers, from ticketing to infrastructure.

“York remains at the heart of the rail industry in the North, with a growing and highly skilled workforce, excellent connections and a proud heritage. There are opportunities unique to York that would level up the region and deliver jobs and long term economic and environmental benefits. That is why we will continue to work to bring more investment, jobs and skills to York to unlock our city’s full potential. As part of regionalisation of rail, I will also continue to call for more highly skilled rail jobs to be brought to the city.

“Our region needs urgent and substantial investment in rail to boost economic recovery, improve inclusivity, and decarbonise its transport system. The Government must deliver comprehensive investment and an integrated rail service in the North, which would see the full potential of the region unleashed. Neither the North nor the country can afford further delay on long-promised reform and investment.”