I’m delighted that the Rail Minister has welcomed the formation of my new Ivanhoe Line Steering Group, bringing together MPs, local authorities, strategic authorities and private sector partners to progress plans to restore passenger rail services between Burton and Leicester.

Reopening the Ivanhoe Line would transform connectivity across North West Leicestershire and the wider region. It would improve access to jobs, education and services, support local businesses, encourage investment, and make it easier for residents and visitors to enjoy everything The National Forest has to offer.

Last month, members of the Steering Group met for the first time to discuss the next steps in developing the project and strengthening the case for restoring passenger services along this important rail corridor.

Following that meeting, I received a letter from the Rail Minister welcoming the collaborative approach we have taken. He recognised the importance of bringing together key organisations to progress the scheme and noted that this partnership will help ensure future discussions with Government are backed by strong local support and robust evidence.

Commenting on the Minister’s support, I said:

“Reinstating passenger rail services would be a game-changer for North West Leicestershire, The National Forest and the wider region. Better rail connections would give residents easier access to jobs, education and opportunities, while boosting local businesses, tourism and investment in our communities. Crucially, it would reconnect two of the largest towns in the country without a rail service today, Coalville and Swadlincote. I’m delighted that the Rail Minister has welcomed the creation of our Steering Group. By uniting local authorities, regional partners and industry, we are building the strongest possible case for reopening this vital railway and ensuring our communities’ voices are heard at every level of government.”

I’m pleased that colleagues and partners from across the region are supporting this campaign.

Samantha Niblett MP for South Derbyshire said:

“Swadlincote lost its original Midland Railway station in 1947, leaving the town disconnected from the national rail network. I want South Derbyshire to continue to grow, creating high-quality jobs and attracting investment. Reinstating passenger rail services, alongside new stations at Castle Gresley and Drakelow, would help unlock that potential, creating a two-way gateway that connects Swadlincote, surrounding communities and beyond.”

Jacob Collier MP for Burton & Uttoxeter said:

“This rail line has the potential to reconnect Burton and communities across the region, opening up new opportunities for investment, employment and leisure. I’m pleased to be working with colleagues across the region through this Steering Group to strengthen the case for this long-overdue project and demonstrate the real benefits it would bring to local people and our economy.”

Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, said:

“I want public transport to be an easy and affordable choice for everyone. I want communities connected to one another and not just to large cities. My role as Mayor enables me to convene the people who understand these issues around connectivity. Together, we must look at projects that better connect our communities, improve access to jobs and education, and support economic growth across the East Midlands. Bringing rail connectivity back to this corridor has the potential to strengthen regional links and help create a more connected East Midlands.”

John Everitt OBE, Chief Executive at the National Forest, said:

“A restored passenger railway would allow visitors and commuters to travel by train from Leicester or Burton-upon-Trent to Castle Gresley, Moira and Ashby-de-la-Zouch. These stations will serve as key gateways into the heart of the National Forest, enhancing sustainable access to Conkers visitor centre, supporting greener journeys and reducing reliance on car travel.”

On behalf of Gylo, owners of the Belvoir Shopping Centre in Coalville, Nick Harcus said:

“Bringing passenger trains back to Coalville would be a significant boost for the town and the wider area. Better rail connections would make it easier for people to visit the town centre, supporting local businesses, attracting new investment and increasing footfall. As owners of the Belvoir Shopping Centre, we recognise the important role improved transport links can play in the long-term regeneration of the town, and we are pleased to support efforts to make the case for this vital railway.”

Douglas McLay on behalf of the Campaign to Re-open the Ivanhoe Line (CRIL) said:

“Amanda’s active and continued support of our Campaign is crucial. We therefore warmly welcome her setting up this Steering Group. Whilst all the local authorities along the Line have consistently supported the reopening of the Line, the way government funding for significant infrastructure projects is allocated plays against schemes such as ours. This is because the Line would serve multiple local authority areas. This Steering Group will provide a forum across multiple local authorities, with everyone working towards the same goal of making this project a reality.”

This is an important step forward for the Ivanhoe Line campaign, but there is still more work to do. My Steering Group will continue bringing together local authorities, businesses, campaign groups and regional partners to build the strongest possible case for restoring passenger rail services between Burton and Leicester. I will continue working with partners and the Government to make the case for the investment our communities deserve and to keep reopening the Ivanhoe Line firmly on the national agenda.