Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Economic Growth: Yorkshire and the North

Monday 4 December 2023 · 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 2 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial steps to support economic growth in Yorkshire and the north include the creation of two investment zones.
  • Improving transport links in Leeds through a new mass transit system is a critical part of the programme.
  • The community ownership fund is mentioned as a potential support for local amenities like The Bell Inn at Pensax.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Barry Sheerman Lab
Economy
Context

The MP is seeking details on steps to boost economic growth specifically for Yorkshire and the northern regions of England.

Question

What steps he is taking to support economic growth in Yorkshire and the north?

Answer from Michael Gove

We are taking considerable steps to boost economic growth in Yorkshire and the north, including the creation of two investment zones in south and west Yorkshire and, of course, the extension of devolution to the whole of the historic county.

Answered
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Q2 Barry Sheerman Lab
Transport Local Government
Context

The MP references the importance of local authorities for effective policy implementation, questioning whether the Secretary of State is reconsidering his stance on local governance.

Question

I am sure the whole House wants to see Mr Speaker back and well again very soon. The Secretary of State must be looking at different data from that which I am looking at. I know he does not like experts, but I have hope that, as Christmas approaches, he will have a Pauline conversion—he will see a flash of light, fall off his camel and realise that, in order to level up expertly and well, he needs local authorities on the ground to deliver those policies. Will he please reconsider his attitude to local government in this country?

Answer from Michael Gove

Improving transport links with a new mass transit system for Leeds is critical to the programme that we undertaking. We are working with local authorities in Leeds; we are working with the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, and with the chief executive of Leeds City Council, Tom Riordan. Moreover, in Kirklees we are investing £65 million through round 3 of the levelling-up fund, with a new open market to provide regeneration in Huddersfield and, of course, the upgrade of the Penistone line

Partly answered

Not addressed: reconsidering attitude towards local government

How: Improving Transport Links, Working With Local Authorities

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Q3 Harriett Baldwin Con West Worcestershire
Context

The MP endorses the bid of The Bell Inn at Pensax to the community ownership fund, seeking recognition and support.

Question

I, too, convey to Mr Speaker a “Get well soon” message. In addition to the amenities in Yorkshire and elsewhere in the north, there is a wonderful real ale pub called The Bell Inn at Pensax, in the north of the Malvern Hills. May I put on the record my strong endorsement of its bid to the community ownership fund?

Answer from Michael Gove

It sounds as if that particular inn, in the heart of Elgar country, is something behind which all of us on the Front Bench can rally. It sounds like an excellent candidate for the community ownership fund, which has seen scores of buildings taken back into public ownership by their communities for the benefit of all.

Answered
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