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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.

Government Response

NHSDefenceEconomyTaxationTransportBrexit
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.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy

About House of Commons Debates

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