Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Artificial Intelligence Growth Zones

Wednesday 18 March 2026 · 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

  • Steve Yemm asked about the potential impact of AI growth zones on regeneration in Mansfield.
  • The Government launched five AI growth zones, creating 15,000 jobs and unlocking 40 billion of investment.
  • The east midlands AI growth zone is under active consideration and could bring thousands of good jobs to the region.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Steve Yemm Lab Mansfield
Economy Science & Technology Local Government
Context

The question pertains to the potential impact of AI growth zones in Mansfield, a constituency that has experienced job loss and economic decline.

Question

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of AI growth zones on regeneration in Mansfield. The questioner highlights the need for regeneration after years of Conservative-led economic decline and the opportunity presented by AI to revitalise local communities.

Answer from Liz Kendall

This Government have already launched five AI growth zones, creating 15,000 jobs and unlocking £40 billion of investment in industrial heartlands across the country. The east midlands AI growth zone— a high-potential bid for that is under active consideration —could bring thousands of good jobs to the region, including in Nottinghamshire, unlocking investment, creating opportunities and regenerating the area in partnership with local businesses and universities.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Steve Yemm Lab Mansfield
Employment Science & Technology
Context

The question builds on the previous one, focusing specifically on how the government's roll-out of AI growth zones will translate into concrete benefits for Mansfield.

Question

Fourteen years of Conservative economic decline saw jobs and opportunity leave places such as my constituency of Mansfield, and AI now presents a chance to turn that around. How will the Secretary of State ensure that the Government roll-out of AI growth zones, creating opportunity across the country, will translate into local jobs and skills in left-behind communities?

Answer from Liz Kendall

In the 14 months we have been in government, our AI growth zones have done more to level up the country than Conservative Members achieved in 14 years; these zones are being built in the areas that once led the industrial revolution and will now lead the technological revolution. We are also upskilling 10 million workers with free AI skills, introducing the first dedicated national apprenticeship in practical AI and automation, and delivering our £27 million TechLocal programme to help people from all walks of life move into AI. We are determined to ensure that AI benefits people in Mansfield and every part of the country, so that no one is left behind.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email