Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Geographic Inequality of Opportunity

Wednesday 23 September 2020 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Steve Double asked about steps to tackle geographic inequality of opportunity in the UK.
  • Pauline Latham noted that geographic inequality has been a neglected part of the equality agenda.
  • Steve Double highlighted Cornwall's long-standing disadvantage due to geography and asked to ensure levelling up remains a priority.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Steve Double Con
Education Economy Employment
Context

DETAILED context: The question addresses the persistent issue of geographic inequality and lack of opportunities across different regions of the United Kingdom. This is particularly relevant as the government aims to implement policies that reduce disparities.

Question

What steps she is taking to tackle geographic inequality of opportunity in the UK?

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

We are determined to tackle geographic inequality and level up our country. The Equality Hub will look at the data to identify the real barriers that are holding people back.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer acknowledges the issue but does not provide specific steps or commitments.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Pauline Latham Con
Women & Equalities
Context

DETAILED context: The question highlights that geographical inequalities have been overlooked in the broader equality agenda, focusing on regional disparities such as wage gaps.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that geographical inequality has been a neglected strand of the equality agenda?

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

I very much agree. Often, the differences in wages or employment are greater between regions of the UK than they are in other types of inequality. For example, there is a 28% gap in weekly pay between the north-east and London.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Steve Double Con
Economy Parliamentary Procedure Local Government
Context

DETAILED context: The question draws attention to the long-standing issue of geographic inequality affecting Cornwall, emphasizing the need for continued focus on levelling up despite political noise.

Question

I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer. She will be aware that people in Cornwall have for far too long faced a disadvantage of opportunity because of our geography. Will she ensure that among all the loud political noise at this time, levelling up geographical inequalities will remain at the heart of this Government's agenda?

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

I agree. It is vital that we level up across the country and make sure that someone's postcode does not dictate their life chances. As I saw when visiting Cornwall's growing lithium mining industry last week, there are real opportunities to level up and help Cornwall to grow economically and benefit all the people of that great county.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer acknowledges the issue but does not provide a specific commitment or timeline for action.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)