Labour’s regional mayors have warned Rachel Reeves that she could lose their support if she does not invest in future projects to drive growth in the North.
The Chancellor has outlined plans to grow the UK’s sluggish economy, including a third runway at Heathrow airport, as well as a “growth corridor” between Oxford and Cambridge which she dubbed “Europe’s Silicon Valley”.
Regional mayors have welcomed infrastructure projects including a plan to redevelop the area around Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground – backed by Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham – and the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport in South Yorkshire.
But Reeves has been warned against “leaving them behind” in the future – particularly after the cancellation of the northern leg of HS2, the UK’s high-speed rail network which was due to connect London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield and the East Midlands. The only part of HS2 still going ahead is the London to Birmingham leg.
Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire, said he is “pleased” with the Chancellor’s plan for growth, but warned that he would become the Government’s “biggest critic” if he does not get the long-term investment and support needed to enact his growth plan.
“I support what the Government is doing right now, but I will be absolutely crystal clear that if we do not get the investment, the support and the partnership working longer term to be able to unlock our potential, I will be this government’s biggest critic,” he told The i Paper.
“I’m here first and foremost to stand up for South Yorkshire,” he added.
Future developments in South Yorkshire include a tram extension to drive economic growth and the expansion of the UK’s first investment zone, with a “manufacturing innovation district” where Boeing, McLaren, and Rolls-Royce work side-by-side.
Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, welcomed the Chancellor’s commitment to boosting industry at East Midlands Airport and said a successful growth plan will benefit the entire country.
However, she acknowledged concerns about a North-South divide and said she is keen for the Midlands and northern England “not to be left behind in terms of opportunities for infrastructure”, particularly after the cancellation of HS2.
“I certainly do not want to see any of that investment [in projects in the South] at the expense of the opportunities in the regions, and I do recognise that some may be concerned about that,” she said.
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Read MoreBut she added: “This is an opportunity to raise the whole of the UK, and I think that the opportunities that the Chancellor outlined means that we will also look to be part of the interest shown internationally in the UK.”
Burnham said the Government had “gone up a gear” in its mission to kickstart economic growth, and said “there was a clear recognition that Greater Manchester has a central role to play”.
But he added: “We have a golden opportunity now to lock-in growth for future generations, and we will continue to work closely with Government to drive that mission forward.”
Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said Reeves had shown that she understands “Mayors are crucial to growing the economy”.
The Chancellor committed to supporting the delivery of a new mass transit system in West Yorkshire during her speech.
“The Chancellor’s support for Mass Transit is welcome and will help us grow our region’s economy, drive regeneration and open up development,” Brabin said.
“Together with Government we will bring trams back to the streets of Leeds and Bradford, building the vibrant, well-connected communities we need and deserve.”
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