Growing the UK Economy Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Growing the UK Economy

Bobby Dean Excerpts
Wednesday 29th January 2025

(1 week, 2 days ago)

Commons Chamber
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Nusrat Ghani Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Ms Nusrat Ghani)
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I call Select Committee member Bobby Dean.

Bobby Dean Portrait Bobby Dean (Carshalton and Wallington) (LD)
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The whole House supports a focus on growth, which is good for our prosperity and key to funding our public services. However, growth has not only a rate but a direction, and how we seek to achieve growth is about choices. If we choose to back measures that undermine our net zero targets, we may be going for growth today with severe consequences for tomorrow. How do the Government justify their choice to back Heathrow expansion over more sustainable rail transport projects across the country?

Darren Jones Portrait Darren Jones
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I am sure the hon. Member shares my view that we can achieve growth through our net zero plans. These things are not an either/or. For example, the announcement of this Government supporting investment in Heathrow and in the sustainable aviation fuel sector will stimulate investment in net zero technologies and industry in the UK. This can be a win-win for the economy and the environment.