RAIL-WORKERS in York have been given a boost after the Government indicated it may force future East Coast Main Line operators to be based in the city.
The Government has previously refused to interfere in franchisee’s wishes, but Transport Minister Sadiq Khan suggested that may change.
York MP Hugh Bayley asked him to consider making a York HQ a condition of future franchises, and Mr Khan said: “I cannot see the officials reaching any other conclusion.”
Mr Khan and Mr Bayley are now to meet to discuss the issue.
The York MP said: “The headquarters has been in York since the LNER days before the Second World War. It is an ideal location half way between London and Edinburgh, and it should stay here for practical and historical reasons.
“In the past, the Government has always refused to tell a franchisee how to run their business so it is a big step forward for the minister to say his civil servants will look at making a franchise condition to keep the headquarters in York. I look forward to meeting the minister and his officials to discuss this further in the new year.”
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