I submit this petition on behalf of the good people of Don Valley, Doncaster and the wider community, who believe—as I do—that the rightful home of the new Great British Railways headquarters is Doncaster. With its rich heritage, fantastic transport links, a bedrock of businesses to build on, huge support from the whole community and the fact that it will help fulfil the Government’s levelling-up agenda, there really is no other place.

The petition states:

The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to note the nomination of Doncaster to house the new headquarters of Great British Railways.

Following is the full text of the petition:

[The petition of residents of the United Kingdom,

Declares that the new Great British Railways headquarters should be located in the railway town of Doncaster; notes that Doncaster is where the Mallard and Flying Scotsman were built, highlighting its rich railway heritage; further that Doncaster is located on the main line; and further that Doncaster has a great history and great people who will benefit from the creation of a new Great British Railways headquarters in their town.

The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to note the nomination of Doncaster to house the new headquarters of Great British Railways.

And the petitioners remain, etc.]

[P002732]

My petition is similar to that of my hon. Friend the Member for Don Valley (Nick Fletcher). However, we have 1,500—and rising—petitioners from among the people of Carnforth and the surrounding area. I am really glad and honoured that my friend, the hon. Member for Lancaster and Fleetwood (Cat Smith), whose constituency is next-door to mine, is here to support this petition. Without further ado, this is good for us and it shows that democracy is alive and well, because we have had nearly a third of the people return the petition.

The petition states:

The petition of residents of the United Kingdom,

Declares that Carnforth would be an ideal location for the new headquarters of Great British Railways; further that the creation of the headquarters would bring additional jobs to the community, as well as encourage new investment; and further over 1,500 members of the community have signalled their interest to the Secretary of State for Transport via a letter writing campaign.

The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to note the nomination of Carnforth to house the new headquarters of Great British Railways.

And the petitioners remain, etc.

[P002733]