Office for National Statistics Labour Market Data

Lord Watts Excerpts

Thursday 23rd April 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Katz (Lab)]

The noble Lord tempts me to cross a red line which is a little above my pay grade in talking about our trading arrangements and any future trading agreements with the European Union. However, it is clear already from what we have done with the Erasmus schemes that we take this seriously. The European Union is our closest trading partner and one of our most important trading partners. It is absolutely right that we promote good links between all participants in the UK economy and those in Europe.

[Lord Watts (Lab)]

My Lords, has the Minister noticed the improvement in economic performance that we have seen in the Manchester and Liverpool regions? Does that not show what a Labour Government can do with Labour regions to regenerate this country?