Oral Answers to Questions
Will Forster Excerpts(3 weeks ago)
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Lisa Nandy
I imagine that the right hon. Gentleman is anticipating that Salisbury would be a worthy winner of both, and I look forward to seeing whichever bid he submits. There is a distinction between city of culture and town of culture. He will know that larger towns were eligible under the last Government to apply for the city of culture competition, but we have designed this contest so that small and medium-sized towns can also get a hearing. We would be delighted to see a bid in whichever part of the contest he believes is most fitting.
Mr Will Forster (Woking) (LD)
As well as putting in an early bid for my town of Woking—the home of H.G. Wells and the birthplace of science fiction—to be our new town of culture, I want to ask the Secretary of State a slightly more serious question. The previous Government’s towns fund was widely criticised for channelling money to their political priorities and heartlands. Will she ensure that the city of culture and town of culture awards are never made for political decisions?
Lisa Nandy
I absolutely agree. I think it incenses people when they see our communities being used as political playthings. That is why we have set up a judging panel, which is chaired by Sir Phil Redmond and has independent members, to award the £3 million prize money to the winner. It is also why we have left behind the failed approach of the last Government. Although this is a competition and I am already enjoying the banter in the Chamber about the respective merits of different towns, we have deliberately designed it so that there will be many winners. Every single one of the shortlisted towns will receive money to develop their bids. The three finalists will all receive prize money, and we will make sure that we find ways to amplify the unique stories of all those that take part in the competition.
Oral Answers to Questions
Will Forster Excerpts(3 months, 2 weeks ago)
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Mr Will Forster (Woking) (LD)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Stephanie Peacock)
This Government are proud to play a part in the continued growth and success of the motorsport industry. We have recently published the advanced manufacturing sector plan, which has automotive at its heart, aiming to nearly double the annual business investment in the sector to £39 billion by 2035, with 84% of advanced manufacturing jobs based outside London.
Mr Forster
As well as congratulating McLaren, which is based in my constituency of Woking, for winning the Formula 1 constructors’ title for the second season in a row, will the Minister also agree to ask the Chancellor to change the tax on sustainable fuel, so that this country can continue to have a leading place in the motoring industry?
Stephanie Peacock
I would of course like to congratulate McLaren on back-to-back Formula 1 constructors’ championship victories, and I am sure the support it receives in Woking is no small part of that. Alongside the Secretary of State, I attended the British grand prix in the summer and witnessed McLaren and Britain’s own Lando Norris claim victory. My Department will continue to stay in close contact with Formula 1, and I will reflect his comments to the Chancellor.