Derby rail industry on track as PM announces £400m worth of deals for trains, planes and submarines at G20 summit

Derby’s rail industry has been given a deserved platform as the Prime Minister arrived in South Africa ahead of the G20 summit.

Keir Starmer was set to visit a train depot in Johannesburg to see Derby-built trains in action, and announce a new agreement between the UK and South Africa to provide British expertise to help reform South Africa’s rail system. 

Crossrail International – owned by the UK Government- will provide strategic advice and consultancy services to drive private investment into South African railways, maximise social, economic and environmental benefits, and bolster opportunities for British companies in both freight and passenger rail in South Africa.

Along the same track, the UK and Vietnam have announced a landmark partnership to drive a digital transformation across Vietnam’s railways. The initiative will see the UK support Vietnam’s Ministry of Construction in delivering high-tech, sustainable rail networks, allowing Vietnam to draw on the UK’s world-class experience and expertise in creating digital strategies that contributed to the success of the Elizabeth line project.

The agreement, building on long-term relationships between Crossrail International and the urban rail authorities in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, will give UK consulting, engineering and finance firms a platform in one of Asia’s fastest-growing markets.

It comes as part of a series of international deals struck by this Labour Government that will see the UK will build and maintain trains, planes and submarines across the world.

They include more good news for Derby, with the Prime Minister announcing Rolls Royce will supply new jet engines to Air Algerie in a package of air deals worth £370m.

Manufactured in Derby, where Rolls Royce employ 14,500 people, the contract will see the company provide and service UK-made engines for 10 aircraft through the lifetime of the project.

Other projects include British Steel supplying a further £35m of products into G20-partner Türkiye’s high-speed rail network and an initial contract to assist the South African Navy in assessing the operational readiness of their Type 209 submarines and undertaking the deep maintenance

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Working with international partners to deliver jobs and opportunity at home is a one-way ticket to growth.

“The UK is a world leader in engineering, from steel welders in Scunthorpe to technicians in Derby, British workers are powering the world through their skill and profession.  

“I am determined to open more doors for British businesses across the world so together we can drive growth, create highly skilled jobs to drive down the cost of living, and deliver opportunity to people across the United Kingdom.”

Labour MP for Derby North Catherine Atkinson said: “These deals show the strength of the East Midlands’ manufacturing sector and the global demand for the expertise we have here. 

“From rail to aerospace, our region is helping build the infrastructure of the future. This Labour Government is backing the East Midlands to grow, create high-skilled jobs and compete on the world stage — and today’s news is another important step forward.”

Labour’s Mayor in the East Midlands Claire Ward said: “This is fantastic news and it is great to see the Labour Government investing in world-leading expertise here in Derby. 

“Rolls-Royce is key employer, not just for people who live in the city, but for residents in nearby towns and villages too. This vote of confidence in our region will protect and create opportunities for better jobs and skills for local people. The message from the Labour Government is clear: the East Midlands is open for business.”