Context
The area of Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland is focused on clean energy opportunities, carbon capture and storage, offshore wind, creative and digital investment, chemicals production, steel manufacturing, and transport infrastructure. The region has seen significant investment in the form of a recommitment to £160 million for an investment zone.
Question
I am pleased that the Government have been listening to us and backing Teesside businesses with serious investment—I have been pushing for investment in clean power and advanced manufacturing. Last year, the 2024 UK tech jobs report named Middlesbrough as the UK’s fastest-growing tech destination. Will Ministers work with me to bring in investment in frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence to our region as well?
Answer from The Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Jonathan Reynolds)
My hon. Friend and his colleagues are incredible champions for bringing investment into the area, and I recognise and thank him for that support. He is right to say that some of the perhaps more traditional industries, though very exciting for the future, are not just the only story in his area. He has mentioned tech and the creative industries too, and I would say they are huge opportunities. Specifically, our investment in skills to make sure that there is a pipeline of talent in every part of the country is a formidable and significant contribution to delivering on those opportunities. I look forward to continuing to work with him on these issues.
Not addressed: The Secretary did not provide specific commitments or timelines for attracting AI investments to Teesside, focusing instead on general statements about investment in skills and opportunities.
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