Prime Minister Boris Johnson: Locomotion No.1 should stay in Darlington

PRIME Minister Boris Johnson has promised to do what he can to keep Locomotion No. 1 in Darlington, rather than see it moved to the Locomotion museum in Shildon.

As highlighted in issue 264, moves by the National Railway Museum to relocate the iconic locomotive from its current home in the Head of Steam Museum in Darlington to Locomotion in time for the 200th anniversary of the

Stockton & Darlington Railway in 2025, have split the North East.

Darlington townsfolk, led by mayor Coun Nick Wallis, are fighting to keep the locomotive in its home of the past 160 years.

During prime minister’s questions in the House of Commons on March 11, Darlington MP Peter Gibson asked for Mr Johnson’s support in keeping No.1 where it is.

Mr Gibson, who defeated shadow

Brexit minister Jenny Chapman in last December’s general election, taking the seat for the Conservatives for the first time in 27 years, said: “As the country that brought railways to the world, what plans does my Right Honorable friend have to celebrate the 200th anniversary in 2025?

“And, does he stand with the people of Darlington to prevent the removal of Locomotion No. 1, the world’s first passenger steam engine from Darlington where it has resided for over 160 years?”

Mrjohnsonreplied:“i congratulate my honourable friend and the people of Darlington and the historic role they played in our railway history and heritage and I will do what I can to support his campaign to prevent Darlington from being despoiled of that iconic locomotive.”