Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Eden North: Benefits for Lancashire

22 September 2021 · 1 other contributor · 3,289 words

Opened by David Morris Con Morecambe and Lunesdale

Responding minister: Eddie Hughes

EconomyEmploymentBenefits & Welfare

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

David Morris raised concerns about eden north: benefits for lancashire in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about economic decline in coastal British communities since the 1970s
  • David Morris highlights the Eden Project North's planning approval and initial local government investment of 105 million
  • Morris seeks government confirmation on funds earmarked for levelling up projects, specifically requesting a 70 million commitment for Eden Project North

Key requests to Government

Morris asks the Government to confirm which funds have been earmarked to enable schemes that drive levelling up, particularly concerning Eden Project North. He seeks reassurance that Morecambe will not be forgotten in the Government's efforts to level up and requests a commitment of £70 million for the project.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

David Morris Con Morecambe and Lunesdale

David Morris is concerned about the economic decline of coastal communities in Britain since the 1970s. He highlights the need for projects that can deliver sustainable growth, particularly after the challenges brought by the pandemic. Morris emphasises that Eden Project North has gone through planning and already attracted significant investment from local government spending. He notes that an initial £105 million investment in Cornwall's Eden Project resulted in over £2.2 billion for the regional economy. Morris also mentions the project's potential to boost education, training, and green-collar jobs across the north-west.

Other contributors (1)
  • James Daly Con Bury North

    Mr Daly praised the Eden Project for its potential to transform Morecambe and Lancashire, highlighting its educational, regenerative, and job-creating benefits. He noted that it would attract visitors from Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Cumbria, and other regions. Mr Daly emphasised the project's role in spreading opportunities across northern towns beyond major cities like Manchester and Leeds.

Government Response

Eddie Hughes

It is a pleasure to serve under the chairmanship of Mr Efford. The Minister congratulates David Morris for securing a debate on this important issue, noting that the project has drawn support from other MPs across county lines, highlighting Morecambe as a preferred potential site for Eden Project North. He mentions the economic impact of such projects beyond Morecambe to Lancashire and the northern powerhouse. Since 2001, the original Eden Project in Cornwall attracts approximately one million visitors annually. The proposal to create an Eden Project North has received support from local partners including Lancashire enterprise partnership, Lancashire County Council, Lancaster University, and Lancaster City Council. The project is expected to receive over 950,000 visitors per year with the creation of over 450 full-time jobs and over 1,000 jobs supported within the supply chain. The Minister also acknowledges previous Government investments in Morecambe through the coastal communities fund and the £45 million Discover England fund to support international marketing for Lancashire and the north-west. He notes that the project requires an investment of £125 million, with a requested contribution of £70 million from the Government and £55 million from the private sector. The Minister stresses the need for the project to go through competitive processes such as the levelling-up fund or UK shared prosperity fund due to current fiscal pressures.

▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy