Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Oral Answers to Questions

Jo Gideon Excerpts
Tuesday 11th February 2020

(4 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Sajid Javid Portrait Sajid Javid
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Of course I will keep that in mind. I assure the hon. Gentleman that the Government are absolutely committed to spreading opportunity throughout the country—throughout each of the nations that make up the United Kingdom—and we want to look at all the ways we can improve connectivity.

Jo Gideon Portrait Jo Gideon (Stoke-on-Trent Central) (Con)
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The Goodwin International training school in my constituency is an exemplar of skills training by a successful modern manufacturer with a world-class reputation. For less established firms such as challenger small and medium-sized enterprises, what support is on offer to level them up to Goodwin International standards?

Simon Clarke Portrait Mr Simon Clarke
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I had a good meeting yesterday with my hon. Friend and fellow Stoke and north Staffordshire MPs. The Government are supporting small firms across England through the network of 38 growth hubs, one of which is based on Stoke-on-Trent. In our manifesto, we announced our intention to create a national skills fund, which will help to transform the lives of people who have not got on the work ladder and lack qualifications, as well as people looking to return to work or to upskill.