Commemorating 200 years of the modern railway

That this House celebrates the bicentenary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, opened on 27 September 1825, marking the beginning of the modern railway era; notes that this was a transformative innovation, born in Britain, which rapidly spread across the globe, connecting places, people, ideas and fundamentally transforming the fabric of society; acknowledges Railway 200, a year-long nationwide partnership-led campaign commencing in January 2025; aims to honour this legacy by showcasing rail’s monumental past, its vital role today, and its crucial importance to a sustainable future; recognises the significant impact of rail in contemporary times, with UK railways carrying 1.4 billion passengers across 9,864 miles and moving over 15.7 billion tonnes of freight, effectively reducing road congestion and promoting a greener economy; further notes that the Railway 200 initiative is being meticulously developed by a cross-industry partnership dedicated to engaging young people from diverse backgrounds and encouraging volunteerism within heritage railways; applauds the ongoing efforts to modernise the UK rail network; commends major improvement projects such as HS2, the Trans Pennine Route Upgrade, and East West Rail; further acknowledges the important role of heritage railways, which span 600 miles and are maintained by the dedication of 22,000 volunteers and 4,000 staff, offering enriching experiences to 13 million visitors annually; and urges all members and constituents to support Railway 200 and participate in celebrating the pivotal role of rail in past, present, and future progress.