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The Prime Minister is under pressure after a rough ride in the Commons on Monday after the publication of an update related to civil servant Sue Gray’s report into various lockdown-busting Government events – including at least one which he attended. However, he is seeking to get back on the front foot with the publication of the document, which sets out a series of wide-ranging national “missions” – from improving public transport to ensuring access to 5G broadband – to be enshrined in law.<\/p>\n
Ministers are also vowing to provide more power to Britain’s regions in a “devolution revolution” with the offer of a London-style deal for any area of England that wants one.<\/p>\n
Matt Vickers, who was elected to the traditionally safe Labour seat of Stockton South in 2019, said the White Paper was evidence of Mr Johnson making good on the promises he made prior to the general election in which he won an 81-seat majority.<\/p>\n
He said: “On Teesside we are experiencing ‘Levelling Up’ first-hand. Whether it be the largest freeport in the country or reaping the rewards of being the epicentre of the green energy revolution, business on Teesside is booming like never before and we are fast becoming the glowing advertisement of this Government’s Levelling Up agenda.<\/p>\n
“This Conservative government was elected in 2019 to break the deadlock and get Brexit done in order to deliver a radical shakeup of our entire economy and spread equal opportunity and prosperity to every region of the UK.”<\/p>\n
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The aforementioned freeport was a perfect example of the way in which the nation was taking advantage of the opportunities available to it as a result of quitting the bloc, Mr Vickers stressed.<\/p>\n
He added: “We are opening up to the world and making ourselves more competitive globally. Teesside is now open for business.”<\/p>\n
“This White Paper is an important and concrete step to delivering that pledge.”<\/p>\n
Gone were the days when what he called “London-centric government policy” ruled the roost, claimed Mr Vickers.<\/p>\n
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He explained: “The levelling up agenda is the only and best way to enrich every region of the country through higher employment, productivity and pay and a focus on infrastructure and welfare in our most left-behind communities.<\/p>\n
“I am extremely pleased to see the rollout of even more powers away from Westminster and to local leaders.”<\/p>\n
Referring to the Tory Mayor of Tees Valley, Mr Vickers said: “Ben Houchen and other Metro Mayors around the country have proven to be successful champions of their region, attracting jobs, growth and investment. Replicating this winning model everywhere can only be a good thing.<\/p>\n
“Under Labour, our economy would still be reeling from their pandemic policy and their attempts to drag us back into the EU.<\/p>\n
DON’T MISS<\/strong> “Thanks to this Conservative government, the UK is witnessing a stunning recovery and a solid plan to boost every region of this country as we emerge from the pandemic.”<\/p>\n Introducing his blueprint, Mr Johnson hailed it as the “most comprehensive, ambitious plan” of its kind that the country had ever seen.<\/p>\n He said: “From day one, the defining mission of this Government has been to level up this country, to break the link between geography and destiny so that no matter where you live you have access to the same opportunities.<\/p>\n “The challenges we face have been embedded over generations and cannot be dug out overnight, but this White Paper is the next crucial step.”<\/p>\n
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