Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Michael Fabricant and George Osborne

Tuesday 1st March 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Osborne]

We are working with the French Government, and all the signs are that they are committed to this project. This is a good example of how the United Kingdom, working with France and indeed attracting investment from Asia, is getting a new generation of nuclear power under way. That was promised for 20 years or more and did not happen, but it is now going to take place in Somerset.

[Michael Fabricant (Lichfield) (Con)]

I am proud to have been part of the Government who introduced the national living wage, but I wonder whether my right hon. Friend has had a chance to look at the report from the British Retail Consortium entitled “Retail 2020”, which talks about that and about the impact of internet shopping.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Michael Fabricant and George Osborne

Tuesday 16th June 2015 Commons Chamber

[Michael Fabricant (Lichfield) (Con)]

My right hon. Friend has been enthusiastic and proactive in promoting the northern powerhouse, but will he shift his gaze southwards towards the midlands? I suggest to him that the midlands has the productivity that the United Kingdom needs, and the midlands engine needs promotion too.

[Mr Osborne]

I agree. That is why I was recently in both Derby and Birmingham after the election stressing that there is a massive potential for the midlands to be this engine of growth, and I am sure Lichfield will be a key part of that engine.