Carlisle MP John Stevenson is backing the city’s bid to become the home of the new headquarters of Great British Railways.
A nationwide competition has been launched to find a HQ for the new state-owned body in which the public will be able to have their say with an online vote.
Great British Railways is planned to oversee rail transport from 2023, replacing Network Rail and overseeing route operators.
Plans to base the HQ outside of London will spread opportunities and level-up communities, the Government said.
A number of regional headquarters are also planned.
The GBR Transition Team will shortlist the best applications in May, after which a public vote will help determine the winning location.
Bids to house the new HQ will be measured against six criteria: alignment to Levelling Up objectives, connected and easy to get to, opportunities for Great British Railways, railway heritage and links to the network, value for money and public support.
This announcement follows the publication of the Levelling Up White Paper, which sets out the Conservative Government’s plan to transform the UK by spreading opportunity and prosperity, with improving transport a core driver of this mission.
Mr Stevensonsaid: “Carlisle’s strong, historical links to our nation’s railways make it an ideal location for the new Great British Railways headquarters and I will be backing their bid all the way. This HQ would bring new highly skilled jobs to the area, and I urge local residents, leaders, and business groups to get behind our bid.”
