Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Industrial Strategy: Cornwall

Thursday 17 July 2025 · 2 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 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial assurance given that Cornwall is uniquely positioned to drive UK economic growth due to its renewable energy and critical mineral resources.
  • Cornwall is acknowledged as the poorest region in the United Kingdom.
  • The Secretary of State expressed disappointment at not receiving an invitation to visit Cornwall over the summer holidays.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Perran Moon Lab Camborne and Redruth
Economy Business & Trade
Context

The MP noted Cornwall's vast renewable energy and critical mineral resources, which position it uniquely for economic growth. However, concerns were raised that the current industrial strategy may overlook Cornwall due to its focus on mayoral strategic authorities and city regions in other parts of the country.

Question

As the Secretary of State mentions, with its vast renewable energy and critical mineral resources, Cornwall is uniquely positioned to become a key driver of UK economic growth. Although the industrial strategy emphasises the role of mayoral strategic authorities and city regions, particularly in the north and midlands, does the Secretary of State agree that Cornwall’s immense industrial potential must not be overlooked, and can he reassure me that unleashing the Cornish Celtic tiger with the economic investment that we need is not contingent on joining a mayoral combined authority?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Jonathan Reynolds)

I can give my hon. Friend that assurance. I was dismayed this morning to wake up and hear the Reform party actively arguing for less investment in Britain and telling businesses they should not invest in the UK. There are a whole range of tools for local areas to shape their economies in the industrial strategy. Some relate to mayors, but many do not. It has the mix of tools that is required to unleash the potential of every part of the country, including his own.

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Q2 Andrew George Lib Dem St Ives
Economy Brexit
Context

The MP highlighted that Cornwall is the poorest region in the UK, noting it has lost the highest level of EU structural aid. He pointed out that to overcome these challenges and take advantage of new opportunities, a bespoke strategy for Cornwall would be necessary.

Question

Further to that very encouraging response from the Secretary of State, does he acknowledge that Cornwall is the poorest region in the United Kingdom? It has great opportunities, as the hon. Member for Camborne and Redruth (Perran Moon) pointed out, but it has been hampered since losing the highest level of EU structural aid. If we are going to take the opportunities and overcome the challenges that Cornwall faces, would the Secretary of State be prepared to meet the hon. Member for Camborne and Redruth, me and other Cornish Members to establish a bespoke strategy for Cornwall to drive the private and public investment needed?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Jonathan Reynolds)

First, let me say that, as someone who used to spend their family holidays in Cornwall, I must protest: I have had two questions from Cornish colleagues and not a single invite to visit Cornwall over the summer holidays. I really think that is unacceptable. The economic history of Cornwall is particularly interesting—I have had this discussion with my hon. Friend the Member for Camborne and Redruth (Perran Moon)—and I recognise some of the specific issues that the hon. Member for St Ives (Andrew George) has identified there. Of course, I am always willing to meet him, either in Cornwall or here in Parliament, to have that discussion. I believe there are key parts of the industrial strategy that will deliver the opportunities and the tools required to unleash what both colleagues are trying to achieve.

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