Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the findings of the Industrial Strategy Council's research paper, UK Regional Productivity Differences: An Evidence Review, published in February 2020, what steps he is taking to tackle the UK's regional productivity gap.

So far, we have announced a £5bn package of investment for buses and cycling, opened up a consultation on Freeports, and we’ve confirmed that we will proceed with HS2 to deliver essential North-South connectivity, greater capacity, and shorter journey times. We will also continue to deliver on our ambitious levelling up agenda, including through the upcoming Budget.