House of Commons · Westminster Hall
21 June 2022 · 0 other contributors · 4,220 words
Opened by Jon Trickett Lab Normanton and Hemsworth
Responding minister: Kemi Badenoch
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Jon Trickett raised concerns about equality of opportunity: south-east wakefield in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
Trickett asks the Government to secure investment, increase productivity, address geographic mobility issues due to public transport cuts, restore service cuts in schools, and invest in broadband infrastructure. He also urges for a change in the current neoliberal economic model to deliver real social justice.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Jon Trickett is concerned about the severe limitations on opportunities for young people in south-east Wakefield, citing it as one of the least socially mobile areas in England. He notes that his constituency's social mobility ranking has worsened from 130th most deprived in 2015 to 111th currently. Trickett highlights issues such as reduced productivity, lack of public transport, cuts to school funding, and poor broadband connectivity which hinder economic opportunities.
Government Response
Kemi BadenochIt is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Gary. I congratulate the hon. Member for Hemsworth on securing this debate and thank him for raising this important subject. His passion for securing the best possible future for his constituency is shared by the Government. In answer to the question he asked about the social mobility commissioner, I clarified that her remarks were misinterpreted; she encouraged a more nuanced approach to social mobility beyond just focusing on prestigious universities like Oxford and Cambridge. The levelling-up agenda aims to address long-standing regional inequalities through economic prosperity initiatives, providing local areas with the means to pursue life chances previously out of reach. Regarding rural constituencies and transport issues, I mentioned that there is £1.4 billion available for transport improvements in West Yorkshire, managed by the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin. The Government have also provided significant funding for various schemes including cycle routes and bus station access improvements, as well as over £830 million for sustainable transport across West Yorkshire. Additionally, we are supporting Wakefield with nearly £217 million from the towns fund and more than £72 million through the levelling-up fund. The minister highlighted that the Government's commitment to local areas is demonstrated by these substantial investments, encouraging collaboration between MPs, mayors, and other leaders to deliver benefits for their constituents. She noted the importance of MPs in shaping bids for funds such as the levelling-up fund and town deals, ensuring that local priorities are considered and met.