Mayor blasts Government as Doncaster Great Brtish Railways HQ bid hangs in balance

Doncaster is one of six towns and cities shortlisted as the base for the new project – but its now uncertain whether the scheme will go ahead under the Government of new Prime Minister Liz Truss.

It was announced earlier this week by the Government that plans were being pushed back – and may not go ahead at all.

Speaking after the announcement, Mayor Jones said: “There is a great deal of uncertainty to the previously announced Great British Railways and the potential home of its headquarters.

“The Secretary of State for Transport has stated that plans for the major Transport Bill which was announced by government in May have now been dropped.

"The promised legislation included proposals for a public agency - Great British Railways, to regulate train services, set timetables and prices, sell tickets in England, and manage rail infrastructure.

“Speaking to the Transport Select Committee, Anne-Marie Trevelyansaid the department had "lost the opportunity" to have the bill in this session of Parliament, but she was "continuing to pitch for a narrow bill" on a specific issue, such as pavement parking or e-scooters.

"She insisted it was nothing to do with Government U-turn's following the mini-Budget.

“It is incredibly disappointing that the creation of the Great British Railways public body has either been delayed or completely shelved.

"Doncaster submitted a strong bid to be the location of the new GBR headquarters and was successfully shortlisted down to the final stages of the competition.

”A key part of the bid and rail transformation was the plan to place GBR in a location that would contribute to the levelling up of the area and along with our rich rail history, buzzing rail industry and excellent location, Doncaster was hopeful that we fit the bill.

"The Department for Transport have claimed that the announcement for the Headquarters of GBR will be announced in the coming weeks, but as it currently stands, there is no guarantee from UK government that GBR will be going ahead.

“I hope that Great British Railways will go ahead and that Doncaster can still play a key role in reinvigorating Britain’s rail system.”