North-West Economy
Debate between Christopher Chope and Stephen MosleyWestminster Hall is an alternative Chamber for MPs to hold debates, named after the adjoining Westminster Hall.
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Mr Christopher Chope (in the Chair)
Order. That was far too long an intervention. I am not involved in the debate and I am not going to become involved.
Stephen Mosley
The hon. Lady must remember that there was increased employment, growth and general prosperity by 1997, because of the action taken before then.
Taking urgent action is unavoidable and I am delighted that the Government have acted decisively to bring the deficit under control. The Government’s swift action has meant that we can be optimistic about the future of our region’s economy. There are two important drivers of economic growth in the north-west: first, the Government’s national action with respect to the country’s economy as a whole; secondly, the action we take locally as Members of Parliament to involve our local councillors and business communities in boosting our local economies.
I represent a constituency on the very edge of the north-west, and we have important economic ties to neighbouring regions, especially north Wales, so for me the idea of a unified north-western economy is rather abstract. For example, few would argue that Chester’s economic future is more closely related to the economy of Carlisle than to that of Connah’s Quay in north Wales. However, those external relationships have not been fully recognised, and the opportunities offered by our neighbours have not been fully followed up and secured.
The rigid regional attitude might even have proved to be a psychological barrier to growth in areas such as Chester on the edge of the north-west. That is why I am particularly pleased that the Government are replacing the remote Northwest Regional Development Agency with the more local, accountable and relevant local enterprise partnerships. This is not only my view, but the view taken by Cheshire West and Chester council, which, along with Cheshire East and Warrington borough council, has decided to pursue the aim of having a Cheshire and Warrington LEP. A recent statement from the Cheshire and Warrington Enterprise Commission shows that it is not only the elected politicians who support the idea of an LEP. It said:
“A new Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) in Cheshire & Warrington could transform the local economy, bringing significant benefits for businesses and residents. We should grasp this opportunity with both hands. In the longer term this will enable us to deliver our ambitious growth targets and really put Cheshire & Warrington on the map.”
Mr Christopher Chope (in the Chair)
I must cut the hon. Gentleman off there, because otherwise we will not have time for the winding-up speeches.