Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps her Department is taking to support economic growth in the South East.

Over £431m has been allocated through the Levelling Up Fund, including £20m in Portsmouth to transform the visitor economy. Nearly £7m has been allocated to Portsmouth through the Future Highstreet Fund to reshape the city centre in a way that drives growth.

The Towns Fund is investing £109m across five towns in the South East to stimulate local economies. Further investments are planned through our Levelling Up Partnerships and Long-Term Plan for Towns.

The Solent and Thames Freeports will create jobs and attract new businesses in high growth sectors and Help to Grow and Growth Hubs are available to businesses.