East Midlands Economy

Bassetlaw should be a key player in the east midlands economy. The STEP project could boost the area, and there are opportunities to develop green energy projects. Improvements to rail links and road infrastructure would support local businesses, as well as the establishment of an east midlands freeport. Clarke-Smith supports the case for HS2 going through Toton.

The east midlands is facing a growing economic gap compared to the west midlands. The full delivery of HS2, including Toton and Chesterfield, would mitigate this imbalance. Recent funding commitments from the Government for Broxtowe include £21.1 million for Stapleford and an opportunity to bid for £20 million for Kimberley as part of the levelling-up fund. Transport investment is crucial for economic growth, and terminating HS2 at East Midlands Parkway or elsewhere short of Toton would not achieve transformative benefits for the east midlands.

Ms Hunt highlighted the resurgence of economic potential in the east midlands, contributing to 5.9% of UK GDP in 2019 due to growth in sectors like life sciences and hydrogen technology. She mentioned companies such as Intelligent Energy planning a gigafactory for hydrogen fuel cell manufacturing and the role of Loughborough University in energy research. Ms Hunt also discussed initiatives including town deal funding worth over £40 million, freeport at East Midlands airport attracting investment, and infrastructure projects valued at £7.8 million from the getting building fund.

The east midlands economy faces lower GVA growth figures, less investment, and lower productivity compared to the rest of the UK. Key manufacturing jobs are at risk due to economic shocks, and 40% of key workers earn less than £10 an hour. The region needs improved transport infrastructure such as HS2, electrification of the midland main line, and better connectivity for economic growth. Additionally, there is a need for support in green industries with up to 400,000 new low-carbon jobs proposed through a green new deal.

The MP highlighted the achievements and opportunities in the east midlands, including broadband progress, town deals for Staveley and Clay Cross, a new free school, and infrastructure projects such as the Staveley bypass. He emphasised the importance of levelling up education and skills to ensure long-term success.

She expressed confusion over the hon. Gentleman's stance on HS2's eastern leg and highlighted its importance for connectivity to Leeds, York, the north-east, Scotland, and the west Midlands. She also pointed out that over 10,000 families in her constituency will lose £20 a week when universal credit is cut next year, questioning its impact on the local economy. Discussed the importance of supporting people in meeting their basic needs post-covid recovery and acknowledged ongoing support efforts from Mansfield and Nottinghamshire County Council. Asked the Minister whether his Government intends to address the east midlands' lower than average government investment in areas such as transport, and if priority will be given to an area like the east midlands that historically has missed out.

Expressed mixed feelings about the debate's focus on the freeport initiative, noting past skepticism regarding freeports. Highlighted the east midlands' frequent position at the bottom in Government investment for transport and mentioned 76,000 people in zero-hour contracts.

She expressed concern about the negative impacts of a decade of cuts and austerity, exacerbated by the Government's handling of the pandemic. She highlighted issues such as poverty, homelessness, business closures, job losses in low-paid sectors, and upcoming reductions in universal credit for families. Whittome called for investment in green jobs to decarbonise the economy and questioned the lack of devolution deals for the east midlands compared to other regions like Cornwall, Tees Valley, and London. Inquired about the metric used for levelling-up fund calculations, questioning why constituencies with high child poverty rates, such as hers, are not considered priorities despite areas like the Chancellor's constituency receiving funds.

Described the east midlands as a vibrant, dynamic region with strong manufacturing and logistics sectors, noting innovations such as JCB's hydrogen-fuelled engine. Highlighted issues like below-average productivity, low public sector investment, and lower profile compared to other regions. Emphasised opportunities like the east midlands freeport which could create over 58,000 jobs and enhance regional connectivity through HS2.

He criticised the Government's indecisiveness regarding the eastern leg of HS2, questioning how this lack of commitment undermines the case for investment in the East Midlands. He congratulated the hon. Member for Mansfield on securing the debate and highlighted the importance of HS2 to the east Midlands economy, criticising the Government's lack of commitment and consistency in delivering infrastructure investment over 11 years. He pointed out a significant disparity in transport spending between the East and West Midlands (£287.32 vs £489.70 per head), attributing it to political complacency due to Tory dominance in non-city areas. My hon. Friend is correct in pointing out the uniformity of criticism towards the Government's treatment of the East Midlands, which has been echoed by Conservative MPs such as Jane Hunt, Ruth Edwards and Darren Henry.