Oral Answers to Questions

Jack Lopresti Excerpts

Thursday 5th March 2020 Commons Chamber

[Elliot Colburn (Carshalton and Wallington) (Con)]

17. What recent assessment she has made of the potential contribution of future foreign direct investment to the economy of each region of the UK.

[Jack Lopresti (Filton and Bradley Stoke) (Con)]

18. What recent assessment she has made of the potential contribution of future foreign direct investment to the economy of each region of the UK.

--- Later in debate ---

[Graham Stuart]

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that. I think the people of London want a Mayor who makes things happen, who is a champion of business and who recognises that, for all the wealth in London, there are too many people left behind. We need a Mayor who gets on with the job—one who does not act like a commentator but who actually acts like a leader.

[Jack Lopresti]

Does my hon. Friend agree that free ports will help to attract significant foreign investment, and regenerate and create jobs in some of our communities and deprived areas?

[Graham Stuart]

I thank my hon. Friend for his question, on which he is right. He is constantly championing the interests of his area, not least because of the need for regeneration. Free ports offer that opportunity. We are in constant talks with The Bristol Port Company, and I know that he is working closely with the West of England Mayor to make sure that that regeneration and the benefits of FDI are brought to his part of the country, with all the prosperity and employment benefits that that will bring.