Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The shadow ministerial team has been assessed for adequacy in the Department's support for levelling-up initiatives. The MP questions the effectiveness based on local observations.
I am concerned about my Department's implementation of policies to support levelling up. During the recess, I visited Langthwaite business park, which is a successful site with over 50 businesses employing almost 2,000 people near South Elmsall and South Kirkby, areas still experiencing deprivation. Despite these successes, local residents are unable to benefit from the jobs created by Wakefield Council, Mohan De Silva and Karen Harrison. What specific programmes has the Secretary of State established or can she create to link job creation with communities in need?
My Department has supported over 6,000 foreign direct investment projects creating more than 280,000 jobs across the UK. Recently, Stellantis invested £100 million in an electric vehicle plant in Ellesmere Port. For Wakefield, there is a devolution deal providing around £1.14 billion of investment and a shared prosperity fund in West Yorkshire. I suggest speaking to the local council for more opportunities.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific request for linking job creation with deprived areas was not directly addressed with concrete programmes or actions.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the success of business parks in his constituency not reaching local deprived areas. He seeks specific Government initiatives that aim at bridging this gap.
I visited Langthwaite business park, a successful site with over 50 businesses employing nearly 2,000 people. Despite this, South Elmsall and South Kirkby, two adjacent pit villages, are still experiencing high levels of deprivation. What Government programmes does the Secretary of State have in place or can she propose to ensure there is a connection between new job opportunities and areas of deprivation?
There are substantial investments made through the West Yorkshire devolution deal, providing about £1.14 billion of investment and a shared prosperity fund in West Yorkshire. I recommend speaking directly to the local council for more opportunities.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask regarding detailed programmes linking job creation with deprived areas was not fully addressed.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about Manchester's export trade being undermined by London's dominance, questioning the commitment to 'levelling up' across the entire country.
Manchester was built on exports and trade. However, due to poor economic management and neglect of regions outside the M25, London now has over three times the value in exports compared to the north-west. Does the Secretary of State believe she and her colleagues are truly committed to levelling up the entire UK or will she admit that they do not care about spreading trade benefits across the nation?
I fundamentally disagree with this view. Since October 2022, we have invested £2.6 billion into projects nationwide and agreed upon landmark devolution deals for Greater Manchester. The Mayor of Greater Manchester should be consulted to understand why these efforts are not reaching all parts of the constituency.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific criticism about commitment levels was not directly addressed, instead shifting focus to local leadership.
Response accuracy