Delays to a major transport overhaul that could make Newcastle the headquarters of the UK’s train system are “disappointing”, council bosses say.
The city was one of six to make the shortlist to house Great British Railways (GBR), with hopes that the bid could bring hundreds of new jobs to Tyneside. But transport secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan told MPs this week that the formation of GBR, which was due to be up and running by early 2024, has been pushed back.
The Conservative MP for Berwick said that the Government had abandoned its plan to introduce a Transport Bill during the current parliamentary session because legislation to deal with the energy crisis is being prioritised. She made the announcement on Wednesday in front of the Commons’ Transport Select Committee – though it is unclear what will happen to the reforms now, following Liz Truss’ resignation as Prime Minister.
