Erewash MP Maggie Throup is delighted with the decision made by the Secretary of State for Transport, to name Derby as the new home of Great British Railways (GBR).
Maggie commented: “I am delighted that the Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper MP, has selected Derby as the new home of GBR. Derby has a longstanding rail history and is already home to Europe’s largest rail cluster. There are over 600 companies linked to the rail sector and there are around 45,000 rail related jobs across the East Midlands.
“This decision will benefit the entire East Midlands region, including Erewash, by bringing thousands of highly skilled and highly paid jobs to the area. It will also provide opportunities for businesses within my constituency. I am sure that Erewash businesses that already are part of the rail industry supply chain will benefit from this decision.”
In October 2021, a competition was announced to find a location, outside of London, for the headquarters of GBR. The selection process consisted of four stages. The Expression of Interest; Shortlisting; Ministerial Visit and Public Vote and finally, the Decision and Announcement.
On Tuesday 21st March 2023, the Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper MP announced that Derby will be the new home of GBR. Derby scored highest at the Expressions of Interest stage and also attracted the most public votes – 45,614 (22.22% of the vote).
Maggie added: “I would like to congratulate all those who were involved in Derby’s successful proposal. I’d also like to thank the public for backing the bid and voting for Derby.
“This decision is in line with the Government’s ambition to level-up every corner of the UK. GBR will help stimulate economic and employment growth across the East Midlands and Erewash.”