Levelling-up Agenda: Tees Valley

Can we just nail this business about state aid? It was pleaded for in Redcar. We can do that. This is a critically important point: the Tory Government decided that they would sit on their hands and let 9,000 jobs go down the pan. Do not kid me that suddenly there will be this conversion to intervention in our economy—that is absolute nonsense. Does my hon. Friend agree that it might assist us if the various companies that have fallen under the umbrella of this organisation voluntarily agreed to be subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000? What we have here is a raft of public money, and a public body, put beyond the gaze of the public. The hon. Member questioned the government's treatment of public sector workers, emphasizing their importance during the pandemic. Mr McDonald criticised the Government's levelling-up agenda, highlighting underfunding in transport with London receiving £903 per head compared to the north-east's £486. He expressed disappointment over delays in railway projects and the lack of plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail or electrification projects. The MP pointed out that Middlesbrough faced severe social and economic challenges, exacerbated by the pandemic, including high child poverty rates and long commutes. McDonald urged the Government to listen to unions, promote good jobs, and engage in meaningful consultations. Asked Mike Hill whether there were flaws with MPs needing to queue to speak to the Chancellor about their constituencies. Suggested that Mike Hill should talk to the Tees Valley Mayor about using powers under the Bus Services Act 2017 to regulate buses.

Emphasised the importance of levelling up for her politics, criticising Labour for focusing on the past rather than the future. Highlighted Ben Houchen's success in Tees Valley and praised him as an extraordinary champion.

The hon. Gentleman makes a fair point, but is he aware that the Government have said that with future subsidy regimes around offshore wind, there will be a requirement for a higher percentage of the wind turbine parts to be made by UK manufacturers? Hollinrake suggested that underinvestment in the north has been an issue for decades but this government is taking tangible steps to address it. Called for a comprehensive approach to levelling up, citing the example of Germany's reunification which took three decades and $2 trillion. Highlighted the need for both public and private sector investment and suggested super-enterprise zones with incentives like business rate discounts.

Described the economic decline in Hartlepool and Tees Valley due to deindustrialisation, highlighting high unemployment rates, low life expectancy, obesity among children, and underinvestment. Emphasised the need for investment in green technologies and nuclear energy to support local skilled workers.

Critiqued the Conservative government's promises of levelling up, citing regional inequality and deepened poverty in northern constituencies. Highlighted issues such as education funding, unemployment rates, transport funding, and health inequalities. Mentioned specific examples like the delayed Northern Powerhouse Rail project and the unfulfilled promise of a new hospital building for Stockton.

Welcomed the Chancellor's promises in the spending review to kick-start the levelling up agenda. Highlighted local successes like Teesside International airport and the proposed freeport, which could create 32,000 jobs and add £2 billion to the regional economy. Raised concerns about poor transport links, noting that out of 228,000 people in County Durham, only 15,000 use public transport while 164,000 opt for cars. Emphasised the need for long-term plans focused on connectivity and social infrastructure investment to address economic disparities exacerbated by the pandemic.

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that public procurement rules can change only after Brexit? This is a very good example of why the decision that he described moments ago as toxic, and which his own constituents overwhelmingly supported, was of course the right one. Will the hon. Gentleman give way? Clearly, the Labour party opposed the rescue of Teesside international airport; it is probably the only example I can recall of the Labour party opposing taking something into public ownership. Is the hon. Gentleman still saying today that it was the wrong decision? That is exactly what is happening today. Clarke argued that the Tees Valley is undergoing transformation with a 10-year plan supported by various stakeholders and £233 million for the former SSI steelworks site redevelopment. He also highlighted investments in carbon capture, freeports, infrastructure, skills training, and direct investment through the towns fund.