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Growing the UK Economy 2025-01-29
29 January 2025
Lead MP
Darren Jones
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
NHSDefenceEconomyTaxationTransportBrexit
Other Contributors: 65
At a Glance
Darren Jones raised concerns about growing the uk economy 2025-01-29 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Government's work to unlock investment and secure economic growth is the No. 1 mission, essential for delivering on priorities such as cutting NHS waiting lists and rebuilding schools. The focus is on inclusive growth across the UK, with specific measures like investing in advanced manufacturing in Wrexham and Flintshire, developing the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor, and supporting airport expansion at Heathrow to boost GDP and create jobs.
Darren Jones
Lab
Bristol North West
The Government will accelerate economic growth by focusing on inclusive regional development, fostering international investment through the Office for Investment, promoting advanced manufacturing in Wrexham and Flintshire with £1 billion of private investment to create 6,000 jobs. Additionally, the Government aims to leverage the potential of cities like Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Glasgow, supporting their economic growth through infrastructure projects such as mass transit systems in West Yorkshire.
Darren Jones
Lab
Bristol North West
The Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor is a priority area for economic development. The Government will establish a new growth commission to unlock opportunities and promote the region’s potential internationally, with an expected GDP boost of £78 billion by 2035. Additionally, the Government supports expanding Heathrow airport with a third runway to enhance UK's connectivity and trade opportunities.
Darren Jones
Lab
Bristol North West
The Government will further support sustainable aviation fuel through an additional £63 million fund for advanced fuels, aiming to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 70%. Additionally, the Government is committed to improving local transportation infrastructure, such as upgrading A428 and delivering East West Rail services between Oxford and Milton Keynes.
Darren Jones
Lab
Bristol North West
The Government will facilitate development in Cambridge by lifting objections from the Environment Agency for specific developments. This includes plans to develop 4,500 additional homes, new schools, and office spaces along with £7.9 billion of water resource investments.
Melmentum
Labour Party
The Government’s failure to act means that businesses and millions of people are paying the price, so can the Chief Secretary to the Treasury commit today to matching that £12 billion, or can he at least tell us the scale of savings that we can expect from his promised reforms?
Meg Hillier
Lab/Co-op
Hackney South and Shoreditch
I welcome this Government’s commitment to infrastructure investment and to telling the world that Britain is open for business, but to achieve all of this, we will need a really skilled workforce to deliver on those major construction projects. May I ask my right hon. Friend to set out how the Government will ensure that we have the skills to deliver what he has promised?
Daisy Cooper
LD
St Albans
The Government are absolutely right to focus on economic growth, but their blinkered approach on Europe is holding back British businesses and stifling the very growth that we need to fund our public services. By ruling out negotiations with the EU on a bespoke customs union and a youth mobility scheme, the Chancellor’s dash for growth will be more like a slow crawl in a car with the handbrake on.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Heathrow expansion will help businesses in the north-east, but for the sake of those of us who are not Manchester United fans, will the Chief Secretary to the Treasury make it clear that much of the investment in the Man U development will be private sector-based? Will he also set out how that will help the rest of the north, particularly Newcastle United fans such as myself?
Darren Jones
Lab
Birmingham, Yardley
Welcomes the announcement of £1 billion going to the manufacturing and logistics hub at East Midlands airport, emphasising its potential to benefit local constituencies. Acknowledges the government's commitment to unlocking growth in regions like the East Midlands.
Jeevun Sandher
Lab
Loughborough
Supports investment for economic prosperity and job creation, highlighting low investment rates and poor infrastructure in his region. Welcomes £1 billion investment at East Midlands airport which will provide 2,000 jobs.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
Asks the Chief Secretary to urge the Oxford growth commission to look into doubling train frequency on the North Cotswold line connecting Worcestershire and Oxford.
Rachel Blake
Lab/Co-op
Cities of London and Westminster
Questions the role of new towns in tackling the housing crisis, emphasising the need for social infrastructure alongside home delivery plans.
John Glen
Con
Salisbury
Queries about concrete proposals from financial services regulators to unlock investment and inquires about timelines for tangible economic impact following recent announcements.
Ruth Cadbury
Lab
Brentford and Isleworth
Welcomes the Chancellor’s announcement but raises concerns over predictions of a 24% cut in flights between regional airports and Heathrow, questioning how this will be optimized for UK-wide growth.
Bobby Dean
LD
Carshalton and Wallington
Questions the government's choice to support Heathrow expansion over sustainable rail projects, highlighting potential consequences for net zero targets.
Connor Naismith
Lab
Crewe and Nantwich
Welcomes the commitment to a 10-year transport infrastructure plan and asks about addressing connectivity and capacity challenges north of Birmingham following HS2 cancellation.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
Critiques the lack of mention for the lower Thames crossing in the statement, questioning why the government is not addressing real issues like business taxes.
Andy Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
Welcomes the Chief Secretary's statement but calls for a full cost-benefit analysis of Heathrow’s third runway, considering climate, health, and transport infrastructure impacts.
Sarah Olney
LD
Richmond Park
Questions the Chancellor's assurance that further investment in airport capacity will drive high economic returns, given previous evidence suggesting otherwise.
Rachel Hopkins
Lab
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Welcomed the Chancellor's speech on Old Trafford redevelopment and invited the Minister to visit Luton for its housing and commercial development, which will support economic growth in the region.
John McDonnell
Ind
Hayes and Harlington
Critiqued the decision on Heathrow's third runway, urging transparency about carbon emissions, agricultural impacts, noise issues, and rehousing plans for affected constituents.
Dave Doogan
SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
Noted that while the statement was intended to promote UK-wide economic growth, it focused primarily on England. He called for more specific details about Scottish investments and mentioned missed opportunities in Wrexham, Glasgow, Edinburgh University, Grangemouth, and the north-east.
Paul Waugh
Lab/Co-op
Rochdale
Welcomed the growth plan but urged support for Rochdale's Atom Valley mayoral development zone to aid advanced manufacturing in the area.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
Called for a direct train service between Cleethorpes, Grimsby, and King’s Cross to boost his constituency's local economy. He requested that the Transport Secretary give this project the go-ahead.
Mohammad Yasin
Lab
Bedford
Called for investment in Bedford with a Universal Studios theme park proposal, which has potential to transform the region economically.
Layla Moran
LD
Oxford West and Abingdon
Welcomed Government support but suggested renaming the growth commission as the Oxfordshire commission due to its focus outside of Oxford city. She invited the Minister to meet Liberal Democrat colleagues for collaboration.
Salford
Supported Old Trafford redevelopment benefits and asked how awarded contracts would ensure local employment, training, and retention opportunities.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Challenged the Minister's claim of credit for completing East West Rail construction under previous governments. He opposed a top-down approach to growth, advocating for local leadership in the Oxford-Cambridge area.
Yasmin Qureshi
Lab
Bolton South and Walkden
Suggested creating more homes and infrastructure around existing commuter lines like the Bolton-to-Manchester line to stimulate growth.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Noted lack of mention for south-west in the statement and requested a visit to Tech Trowbridge initiative, which aims to foster conditions for regional economic growth.
Matthew Patrick
Lab
Wirral West
Welcomed Government's commitment to tear down barriers to growth daily. He asked how the pilot announced by the Office for Investment would benefit his constituents in Wirral West.
Edinburgh West
Concerned that Scottish constituents feel left out due to lack of investment in AI and research. Questions whether expansion at Heathrow will negatively impact Edinburgh without a proper emissions management plan.
John Slinger
Lab
Rugby
Calls for action to block the blockers and deliver growth, emphasising the need for government intervention to unleash the country's potential.
Kieran Mullan
Con
Bexhill and Battle
Raises concerns about the national insurance rise negatively impacting local businesses and employment. Asks if the OBR’s forecast that the jobs tax will harm growth is accurate.
Nadia Whittome
Lab
Nottingham East
Questions whether expanding airports aligns with climate goals, citing analysis showing expansion would require a significant amount of forest to offset emissions.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Expresses skepticism about the long-term nature of announced projects and asks what is being done for Northern Ireland's economy in light of anti-growth policies.
Jonathan Davies
Lab
Mid Derbyshire
Welcomes investment in Rolls-Royce Submarines and agrees that working with manufacturing companies is crucial to delivering economic growth.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
Critiques various measures such as property relief reduction, national insurance increase, minimum wage hike, and the Employment Rights Bill, questioning their impact on business growth.
Luke Myer
Lab
Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland
Thanks Treasury for supporting Teesside’s sustainable aviation fuel industry and asks Chief Secretary to deliver a message that Teesside is open for investment in this sector.
Olly Glover
LD
Didcot and Wantage
Welcomes commitment to Oxfordshire science centres but questions the £2.2 billion cost of SESRO, suggesting it could be better spent tackling leaks and reducing water demand.
Mark Sewards
Lab
Leeds South West and Morley
Asks how the national wealth fund and strategic partnership in West Yorkshire will benefit Leeds and northern Lincolnshire through growth agreements and sharing proceeds of growth.
Neil Hudson
Con
Epping Forest
The MP criticises Labour's economic policies, citing negative impacts on businesses and services in his constituency due to the 'jobs tax' and inheritance taxes. He expresses concern over school closures and job losses.
Laurence Turner
Lab
Birmingham Northfield
The MP questions whether the decision regarding Heathrow expansion is overdue, citing historical investment levels in different regions of the UK. He also asks about redundancies reported by employers since the Budget announcement.
Ben Lake
PC
Ceredigion Preseli
Asks for specific investments planned for mid and west Wales under the government's plans, highlighting previous unfulfilled promises.
Kanishka Narayan
Lab
Vale of Glamorgan
Calls on the Chief Secretary to embrace technological progress and establish an AI growth zone in his constituency.
Blake Stephenson
Con
Mid Bedfordshire
Queries about the status of negotiations with Universal Studios for investment in his constituency, expressing surprise at not hearing government support for such a project.
Jim Dickson
Lab
Dartford
Thanks Ministers for announcing the lower Thames crossing and asks about progress on securing private finance to make it a reality.
Adnan Hussain
Ind
Blackburn
Asks what support small businesses will receive, especially in his constituency which has over 600 small enterprises.
Alan Gemmell
Lab
Central Ayrshire
Agrees that the Heathrow expansion announcement signals growth to international investors and Scottish exporters. He contrasts this with the 'gloom and doom' from the SNP.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Expresses concern over economic output in Northern Ireland, citing protocol-supplied red tape that hampers business growth.
Bayo Alaba
Lab
Southend East and Rochford
Welcomes the Minister to his constituency and seeks details on how the national wealth fund will establish partnerships in Essex, including Southend East and Rochford.
Josh Simons
Lab
Makerfield
Praises Labour's stance as a party of builders rather than blockers. He notes that the Conservatives could have taken similar decisions but chose not to due to internal conflicts.
Chris McDonald
Lab
Stockton North
Highlights the neglect of heavy industries like metals and chemicals by the previous government, emphasising their potential for international investment and job creation.
Joe Morris
Lab
Hexham
The Conservative government ignored the economic needs of the Hexham constituency for 14 years. Businesses and young people in my area are desperate to grow, invest and remain there. I invite the Minister to visit Hexham to see growth opportunities in the Tyne valley.
Lauren Sullivan
Lab
Gravesham
The development consent order for the lower Thames crossing has not yet been granted, and the project will only proceed if mitigations and protections are in place for Gravesham residents, including local air quality issues, skills training hubs, free travel discounts, and road impact assessments.
Sarah Coombes
Lab
West Bromwich
The west midlands is a car manufacturing hub. I welcome the Government's investment in electric vehicle infrastructure today, which will support EV adoption, green transition, and economic growth for the region.
Sam Carling
Lab
North West Cambridgeshire
The Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor is vital to bringing expertise from Peterborough into advanced manufacturing and logistics in Cambridge. Enhanced transport connectivity will benefit the broader region's economic development.
Emma Foody
Lab/Co-op
Cramlington and Killingworth
Increased capacity at Heathrow Airport is vital for boosting economic growth in the north-east of England by connecting businesses to global markets, which will benefit Newcastle International airport as well.
Tristan Osborne
Lab
Chatham and Aylesford
This Government's 'build, baby, build' approach contrasts with Labour’s previous inaction. There is active private sector interest in the lower Thames crossing project, which will benefit Kent and Essex.
Polly Billington
Lab
East Thanet
Ports play a significant role in logistics and trade for our economy; we need a national strategy to make the most of them, ensuring coastal communities can participate in growth strategies and help rebalance the economy.
Aylesbury
The Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor is critical for my constituents' economic opportunities. The East-West Rail link will be crucial to unlocking further development, and I support the infrastructure emphasis in the Government's strategy.
Gregor Poynton
Lab
Livingston
A third runway at Heathrow is essential for Scottish exports and tourism. Increased connectivity will facilitate growth for world-class products like Aberdeen Angus beef, Orkney seafood, and whisky from my constituency.
Alison Hume
Lab
Scarborough and Whitby
British manufacturing, such as Alexander Dennis electric buses built in Scarborough, is key to economic growth. Government support for British manufacturers through mayoral commitments on bus purchases is vital.
Mark Ferguson
Lab
Gateshead Central and Whickham
The unsafe Gateshead flyover closure blocks housing development and town centre redevelopment; I urge the Minister to prioritise such projects as a way of unlocking further economic growth across the country.
Luke Charters
Lab
York Outer
Nutrient neutrality rules are blocking prison construction and 150,000 homes. I ask for Government commitment to review these rules speedily, balancing environmental protection with economic growth.
Government Response
The Chief Secretary outlined steps to accelerate economic growth by unlocking investment in various sectors across the UK including manufacturing zones, transport infrastructure, sustainable aviation fuel production, and development projects in Cambridge. The comments today from business leaders and investors speak for themselves: our plans are welcomed by businesses, and we will be working in partnership with them to deliver for this country. This Government committed in their manifesto to not rejoin the single market or the customs union. We will honour that promise, but there is room for us to improve our trading, energy and security relationships with our friends in the European Union. Welcomes support for Heathrow expansion and its connectivity benefits. Defends the project against environmental concerns by emphasising the government's commitment to sustainable low-carbon transport and local economic benefits. Replied to each speaker, providing reassurances about investment opportunities, transparency on decision-making processes, and support for regional growth initiatives. He highlighted ongoing discussions with partners regarding specific projects such as the Old Trafford redevelopment, Luton's Power Court, and Heathrow’s third runway plans. The Minister responds positively to questions, providing details on inward investments in green economy skills training, confirming ongoing negotiations with Universal Studios, highlighting progress on the lower Thames crossing, and emphasising support for small businesses through NI contributions and business rate discounts. He also addresses Heathrow expansion as a signal of growth and commitment to net-zero goals. The transport connectivity and house building targets in our plan ensure people can seize opportunities from where they are without necessarily having to leave. The government will undertake appropriate processes on the development consent order for the lower Thames crossing, ensuring mitigations and protections for residents. We aim to transition over time to electric vehicles, investing in jobs, skills, industrial capacity, and reducing EV costs. The growth corridor is an enabler not just along the railway but for the whole region, utilising expertise from Peterborough and beyond. Increased Heathrow capacity will be unlocked, providing vital opportunities for export businesses. We confirm private capital interest and a spending review timetable early in June. Ports are crucial to our logistics strategy; initial Government investment has been made for trade and infrastructure like floating offshore wind. The East-West Rail link is critical to unlocking economic growth and connectivity within city regions. A third runway at Heathrow will benefit Scottish exporters, connecting Scots to global markets. British manufacturers receive government support through mayoral commitments on bus purchases. I encourage the hon. Member to write to the Transport Secretary for further details on his project. Government review of nutrient neutrality rules will be conducted in coming months.
Shadow Response
Mel Stride
Shadow Response
Critiques the Government's approach as lacking ambition and cites independent assessments that Labour’s policies will lead to lower growth, higher inflation, and job losses. Urges for concrete actions rather than vague promises.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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