Business of the House

Baggy Shanker Excerpts

Thursday 4th September 2025 Commons Chamber

[Lucy Powell]

I thank the hon. Member for raising the issue of step-free access at her local station—this issue is raised with me all the time at business questions. I am sure that a debate on the topic would be very well subscribed, if she wanted one, but I will ensure that she gets a ministerial response. I am pleased to hear about her written question.

[Baggy Shanker (Derby South) (Lab/Co-op)]

It was fantastic to see Derby buzzing over the summer when over three days 40,000 visitors were in the city visiting The Greatest Gathering as we brought together the world’s largest ever collection of historical and modern rolling stock. Will my right hon. Friend join me in acknowledging the huge effort made by volunteers not just from Derby but from all over the UK to pull off that spectacular event? Does she agree that, with the arrival of Great British Railways’ headquarters in Derby, we can build on this great heritage and look for a bright future in rail manufacturing?

[Lucy Powell]

It might not be quite an Oasis concert, but I am sure that the railway gathering in Derby that my hon. Friend describes was a fantastic event to champion the rail industry in his constituency. I am really pleased that Great British Railways will be based in Derby so that we can continue to provide the jobs of the future.