My petition is similar to that of my hon. Friend Nick Fletcher. However, we have 1,500—and rising—petitioners from among the people of Carnforth and the surrounding area. I am really glad and honoured that my friend, Cat Smith, whose constituency is next-door to mine, is here to support this petition. Without further ado, this is good for us and it shows that democracy is alive and well, because we have had nearly a third of the people return the petition.

The petition states:

The petition of residents of the United Kingdom,

Declares that Carnforth would be an ideal location for the new headquarters of Great British Railways;
further that the creation of the headquarters would bring additional jobs to the community, as well as encourage new investment;
and further over 1,500 members of the community have signalled their interest to the Secretary of State for Transport via a letter writing campaign.

The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to note the nomination of Carnforth to house the new headquarters of Great British Railways.

And the petitioners remain, etc.

[P002733]