Oral Answers to Questions

Darren Henry Excerpts

Wednesday 30th September 2020 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

We are doing everything we can to save every job in the country. That is why the Chancellor set out the winter economic plan and why we have the job retention bonus at the end of January. But, of course, things are tough. As the Chancellor has said, alas, we cannot save every job, but we have the kickstart funds, with £2 billion to support young people into work, plus we now have a lifetime skills guarantee to ensure that people can retrain for the jobs that are going to be created by this economy.

[Darren Henry (Broxtowe) (Con)]

As co-chair of the all-party parliamentary group on the midlands engine, I am determined to champion the midlands engine and make sure that the midlands, the largest regional economy outside of London, is not left behind in the Government’s levelling-up agenda. Will the Prime Minister commit to investing in the heart of our country and fire up the midlands engine?

[The Prime Minister]

My hon. Friend is completely right in his support for the midlands engine. That is why we are investing another £200 million from the getting building fund into the midlands engine region. I will be happy to write to him in the next few days about what we are doing for levelling up in the midlands.