Oral Answers to Questions

Paul Howell Excerpts

Monday 5th June 2023 Commons Chamber

[David Duguid (Banff and Buchan) (Con)]

5. What steps he is taking to level up all parts of the UK.

[Paul Howell (Sedgefield) (Con)]

12. What steps he is taking to level up all parts of the UK.

[Boris Johnson (Uxbridge and South Ruislip) (Con)]

16. What steps he is taking to level up all parts of the UK.

--- Later in debate ---

[Michael Gove]

I congratulate Aberdeenshire Council on its success in levelling-up fund round 2. My hon. Friend is absolutely right: success in that round does not preclude further investment. One thing, though, that would be devastating for Aberdeenshire and the north-east of Scotland would be if the Labour party’s policy of stopping all new oil and gas development in the North sea were taken forward. That would be catastrophic for levelling up and for the north-east of Scotland.

[Paul Howell]

I thank the Secretary of State for his efforts on levelling up, but I must stress to him the importance of speed in reaching the communities of my Sedgefield constituency. It was disappointing that the knife was applied to the second round, knocking out many Durham bids, particularly mine in Newton Aycliffe, and it is painful to see the slow progress on the restoring your railway fund bid for Ferryhill station. It is critical for my constituents that these initiatives get past the decision stage so that we can get spades in the ground. When does my right hon. Friend think we will see delivery?

[Michael Gove]

My hon. Friend makes a good point. It is important that we support the work that is anticipated for Ferryhill station. In his constituency, Hitachi produces state-of-the-art railway investment, and we need to make sure that its vision is matched by the Government’s commitment.