Oral Answers to Questions

Allison Gardner Excerpts

Tuesday 8th April 2025 Commons Chamber

[James Murray]

I think that was a question about business rates reform. As the right hon. Lady will know, we published a discussion paper on transforming business rates. I am sure that the right hon. Lady will have read and responded to that, so I will look out for her consultation response in what we have received. Transforming businesses rates is about ensuring that we make the business rates system fit for the future to support investment and business growth right across the UK.

[Dr Allison Gardner (Stoke-on-Trent South) (Lab)]

T8. Will the Minister join me in congratulating Goodwin International, which is building a multimillion-pound production unit in Newstead in Stoke-on-Trent South, creating up to 100 jobs in defence manufacturing? Does he agree that increased investment in defence spending will have a tangible impact on my constituents, fuelling jobs and local investment?

[Darren Jones]

Yes, and I congratulate my hon. Friend on championing jobs and businesses in her constituency. As she knows, the Prime Minister and the Chancellor have confirmed that defence spending will increase to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and that a minimum of 10% of the Ministry of Defence equipment budget will now be spent on novel technologies such as drones and artificial intelligence, which will create highly skilled jobs and drive benefits to the wider economy, including in her constituency of Stoke-on-Trent South.

Oral Answers to Questions

Allison Gardner Excerpts

Tuesday 4th March 2025 Commons Chamber

[James Murray]

The Chancellor set out our Budget, and I set out during debates on the Finance Bill and related legislation exactly how we will implement the changes announced at the Budget. In the case of employer national insurance contributions, there are defined ways in which public sector organisations are reimbursed. The changes do not apply to hospices, as they are largely charities or are not directly part of the public sector. I also point him to the £100 million of extra investment that we have announced in improving hospices.

[Dr Allison Gardner (Stoke-on-Trent South) (Lab)]

Does the Minister agree that investment in the fifty500 midlands growth corridor will provide an excellent opportunity to deliver this Labour Government’s mission for growth and opportunity for all?

[Darren Jones]

I join my hon. Friend in celebrating investment in her region. Our growth mission is one in which each part of the country will benefit, and we look forward to working further with her.

Oral Answers to Questions

Allison Gardner Excerpts

Tuesday 21st January 2025 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. Let us move to Dr Allison Gardner.

[Dr Allison Gardner (Stoke-on-Trent South) (Lab)]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

No, we have Gareth Davies up next. We are in complete chaos—[Laughter.] We have the wrong names coming in. What has confused everybody is the fact that Question 3 was withdrawn. Everybody is a question behind. Right, I call the shadow Minister next.

--- Later in debate ---

[Helen Morgan (North Shropshire) (LD)]

5. What fiscal steps she is taking to help increase levels of economic growth in rural areas.

[Dr Allison Gardner (Stoke-on-Trent South) (Lab)]

6. What steps she is taking to help increase economic growth in Stoke-on-Trent.

[David Williams (Stoke-on-Trent North) (Lab)]

15. What steps she has taken to help increase economic growth in Stoke-on-Trent.

--- Later in debate ---

[Rachel Reeves]

At the Budget, we introduced sustainable transport settlements, with £650 million of funding for local transport, and confirmed an extension of the UK shared prosperity fund, providing £900 million to local authorities to invest in local growth. We also announced money in the Budget for some trailblazer projects to help those furthest from the labour market back into work. On the specific issues around transport in her constituency, I am very happy to set up a meeting for her with the relevant Minister.

[Dr Gardner]

The A50/500 growth corridor, a significant transport corridor in my constituency of Stoke-on-Trent South, enjoys an extraordinary concentration of advanced manufacturing, including anchor companies such as JCB and Michelin. With modest targeted investment in transport, energy and digital infrastructure, this vital corridor could generate £12 billion in gross value added and create 18,000 jobs. Will the Chancellor meet me to discuss the targeted investment needed to develop a detailed growth plan for this vital industrial artery and help deliver it on this Government’s mission for growth?