Economic Growth
Debate between Amanda Martin and Emma Reynolds(2 weeks, 4 days ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Emma Reynolds
The hon. Member will know that rural communities are close to my heart, given my previous ministerial role and because I have a semi-rural constituency. There is huge potential in rural communities. The Prime Minister visited rural Cornwall in his first few weeks in the job. We will do more, and we are doing more, to improve local transport and rural connectivity, including the £2 cap on bus fares. She is right to say that there is great potential, which we must realise.
Amanda Martin (Portsmouth North) (Lab)
Too often decisions have been made in Westminster with an assumption that investment, opportunity and growth flow naturally to the south, but in reality Portsmouth has been ignored and faces real pressure on housing, transport and education. Will the Minister work with me to ensure that my city and the people of Portsmouth are no longer an afterthought but at the heart of the Government’s plan for growth and opportunity?
Emma Reynolds
I can absolutely give my hon. Friend that reassurance. The Government are intent on driving good growth and job creation opportunities across the country—in the north, the south, the midlands and every other part, too.