Regional Growth

Debate between Darren Jones and Emma Foody

Wednesday 4th June 2025 Commons Chamber

[Darren Jones]

The hon. Member is encouraging me to get ahead of the statement and answer questions about next week’s spending review. All I can say for now is that the Labour Government are investing in every nation and region of the country. We are delivering on the promise of change in Scotland, where we know we need a new direction. She rightly alludes to the absence of SNP Members in the House—and, might I say, the absence of SNP leadership in Holyrood? At the election next year, we will have an example to show how two Labour Governments can deliver real change for people in Scotland, which will be underpinned by the significant investment we will announce next week in the spending review.

[Emma Foody (Cramlington and Killingworth) (Lab/Co-op)]

I welcome the Minister’s statement, his comments on the Green Book and, of course, the nearly £1.8 billion of investment for the north-east. We know that growth and opportunity should never be just for some areas; they need to be felt in every single part of the country. This is a clear demonstration from the Government that we understand that. Will this approach also shape future infrastructure decisions such as the road investment strategy, where projects such as the Moor Farm roundabout upgrade have the potential to unleash growth in my constituency?

Growing the UK Economy

Debate between Darren Jones and Emma Foody

Wednesday 29th January 2025 Commons Chamber

[Darren Jones]

I thank my hon. Friend, who is absolutely right. The growth corridor is an important enabler not just for developments along the railway, but for the whole region, as we see from other countries that get such projects right—for example, the Chancellor referred to silicon valley—where the opportunities for the broader region are made available. I am sure they will be available to the people of Peterborough, too.

[Emma Foody (Cramlington and Killingworth) (Lab/Co-op)]

Newcastle International airport, located both in my constituency and in that of my hon. Friend the Member for Hexham (Joe Morris), is crucial for connecting businesses and people in the north-east to the rest of the world, often by flying via other hub airports. Does the Minister agree that increased capacity at Heathrow will provide vital opportunities for the north-east, boosting economic growth for the entire country? And while he is visiting the Tyne valley, if he wants to pop over and see what was recently awarded the title of the world’s best airport, we would give him a great welcome.

[Darren Jones]

I congratulate my hon. Friend on her airport and look forward to seeing it in due course. The premise of her question is entirely right: if businesses are to export, they need to be able to send their goods, and if they cannot get slots at Heathrow to enable those goods to be distributed around the world, they will just not be able to do business. This Government will unlock that opportunity for them, and I look forward to the potential that it will bring to her constituency and the region.