Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

North East Connectivity And Levelling Up Initiatives

25 November 2020 · 0 other contributors · 1,098 words

Opened by Paul Howell Con Sedgefield

Responding minister: Christian Wakeford

EconomyTransportLocal Government

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Paul Howell raised concerns about north east connectivity and levelling up initiatives in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The north-east has suffered from disparity in public spending per capita since 2003 due to the Treasury Green Book's investment criteria.
  • Projects like the Stillington spur being freight-only have disconnected communities from employment centres, limiting economic opportunities.
  • The Government is urged to focus on new transport spending and introduce measures such as freeports to enhance connectivity and capacity in the north.

Key requests to Government

The Government should focus on new transport spending in the north to enhance connectivity and capacity, and introduce measures like freeports and state asset relocation. Additionally, a similar funding pot as the Beeching rail reversal fund should be created to support rural infrastructure projects overlooked by local councils or mayors.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Paul Howell Con Sedgefield

The north-east has suffered significantly since 2003 due to the Treasury Green Book's skewed investment criteria, which have led to a disparity in public spending per capita between London and the north. The lack of connectivity through projects such as the Stillington spur being freight-only means that communities are disconnected from employment centres and cities, hindering economic opportunities for people.

Government Response

Christian Wakeford

The Government emphasises that levelling up is not just about hard infrastructure but also includes soft infrastructure such as education, skills, and community support. The approach to HS2 should be seen in the context of capacity rather than speed, ensuring connectivity between northern towns and cities to make them economic powerhouses.

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