Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Levelling-up Agenda

Thursday 27 May 2021 · 6 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 6 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Levelling up is the core of the Government's agenda, with a White Paper scheduled for later in the year.
  • Investment in HS2 and Toton is seen as crucial for levelling up the east Midlands.
  • The Government aims to address under-representation of working-class boys in the civil service.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Steve Double Con
Context

The question arises from the government's commitment to implement a levelling-up agenda aimed at improving livelihoods and opportunities across the UK. The focus is on specific steps being taken by the government.

Question

What steps are the Government taking to implement their levelling-up agenda?

Answer from Michael Gove

Levelling up is at the heart of the Government's agenda. Later this year, a landmark levelling-up White Paper will be published setting out new policy interventions to improve livelihoods and opportunity in every part of the United Kingdom.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific steps or timelines for implementation

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Q2 Darren Henry
Transport
Context

The question pertains to the Government's commitment to regenerate towns and high streets through investment, with a specific reference to HS2 and its impact on economic growth and community development.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that having the HS2 east midlands hub in Toton is the only choice in line with the Government's agenda to level up the east Midlands?

Answer from Michael Gove

My hon. Friend makes a very good point regarding investment in HS2 being critical to levelling up and his case for Toton resonates with the Department for Transport.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm explicitly that Toton will be chosen as the hub location

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Q3 David Evennett Con
Democracy & Elections
Context

The issue centres on ensuring equal opportunities and addressing the under-achievement of working-class boys. The question highlights the need for a diverse civil service to support these goals.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend pay special attention to the under-achievement of working-class boys in order to ensure people from all walks of life work in the civil service?

Answer from Michael Gove

My right hon. Friend is correct to highlight the need for more diverse representation in the civil service as noted by the Social Mobility Commission report, echoing points he has been making.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific commitments or actions on addressing under-achievement

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Q4 Sara Britcliffe
Transport
Context

The focus is on the importance of continued investment in local transport, including freight terminals and reopening railway lines, beyond the levelling-up fund.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is important to continue investing in local transport infrastructure as part of the levelling-up agenda?

Answer from Michael Gove

My hon. Friend correctly highlights the need for new rail investments and improved local bus services, echoing her advocacy for such initiatives.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific commitments or timelines for continued transport investment

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Q5 James Davies Con
Economy Wales Local Government
Context

The question addresses the need to ensure that the levelling-up fund not only benefits regions as a whole but also targets specific areas with particular needs.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend confirm actions being taken to ensure the levelling-up agenda benefits localised need areas in north Wales?

Answer from Michael Gove

I am looking forward to visiting north Wales later this summer and making sure that micro projects, as well as macro infrastructure, are part of the levelling-up fund.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific actions or timelines for localised need areas

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Q6 Steve Double Con
Economy Parliamentary Procedure Local Government
Context

The question focuses on Cornwall's historical economic challenges and seeks specific investment plans for job creation and future economic growth.

Question

Can my right hon. Friend confirm that Cornwall will be at the heart of the Government's levelling-up agenda, and can he say what plans the Government have to invest in the Cornish economy?

Answer from Michael Gove

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care emphasised during his visit to Cornwall that job opportunities in Cornwall are being extended as part of the Government's efforts.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific investment plans or confirm priority status

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