This year, we mark the 200th anniversary of the world’s first railway – which was pioneered in Britain.

It has been wonderful to celebrate this milestone at The Greatest Gathering in Derby.

The Greatest Gathering is a huge event celebrating our railway’s remarkable past.

It is also a window to its exciting future – which includes bringing the headquarters of the new publicly owned rail company Great British Railways to Derby, and using hydrogen to power cleaner train travel.

The Labour government is ensuring our railways build on their amazing legacy and truly deliver for passengers again. It is bringing track and train together and putting them back into public ownership, supporting rail’s supply chain and driving innovation.

Thanks for the last two centuries, and here’s to the next!