Apprenticeships Speech in Westminster Hall

Last week I attended the Labour Party Conference.

This was a fantastic opportunity to meet with a range of charities, organisations, and truly inspirational individuals. I was also honoured to speak on a panel hosted by the Good Growth Foundation, where we discussed how infrastructure and investment can drive growth across the North.

I made the point that while growth in major cities like Manchester and Liverpool is important, it must also extend to smaller towns such as Darwen, Rawtenstall, and Bacup. The government must ensure that growth is spread fairly, with proper investment in transport and infrastructure, including projects like a Rawtenstall rail link. To attract investment from businesses, our towns also need strong skills pipelines and access to training.

Devolution represents an opportunity to get this right. We can ensure that spending decisions are made by local people who understand the needs of their communities, not by Westminster. ... See MoreSee Less