Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Peter Kyle and David Pinto-Duschinsky

Thursday 12th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[The Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Peter Kyle)]

The industrial strategy focuses on business investment and creating high-quality jobs. We back our strengths and are unblocking barriers, including through £1.2 billion of skills investment by 2028-29. This Labour Government are investing in skills, in jobs, and in creating wealth and opportunity across the United Kingdom.

[David Pinto-Duschinsky]

I thank the Secretary of State for his answer. Communities like mine in Hendon were let down by 14 years of economic instability and the lack of a strategic approach to driving growth under the Conservative party. Will the Secretary of State set out how our modern industrial strategy will help to accelerate growth in places like Hendon?

[Peter Kyle]

I absolutely will. First, Hendon has a champion in you—I mean my hon. Friend—and that counts for a lot. It also has a champion in you, Mr Speaker, as you make sure that we get through these questions so swiftly and efficiently. I can assure the House that the industrial strategy has delivered, on average, over £7,900 more in wages in the sectors that we are supporting through it. Over 50,000 jobs have been supported through investment commitments made to the industrial strategy’s eight sectors in the last quarter alone. This Government are attracting investment, spending it wisely and making sure that all communities, including Hendon, benefit from it.