Rachel Reeves has announced ambitious growth plans for the south. This includes expanding airports and rail links, aiming to boost the economy and improve living standards.
Oxfordshire: Rachel Reeves just laid out her plans for economic growth. She’s focusing on the south, with big ideas for airports and rail links.
In her speech, she mentioned a third runway for Heathrow. She believes areas like Oxford and Cambridge could become Europe’s Silicon Valley.
Reeves also showed support for redeveloping Old Trafford, but details were a bit vague. Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, raised concerns about the focus on the south.
He warned that a new runway might limit investment in the north. He wants more railway links up north, but Reeves didn’t mention those in her speech.
Zoë Billingham from IPPR North said the government needs to invest across all regions. She emphasized that just boosting the southeast won’t help everyone.
Reeves announced support for expanding Luton and Gatwick airports too. Plus, there’s a new £9 billion road project planned between Kent and Essex.
She also talked about the Oxford-Cambridge corridor, which could add £78 billion to the UK economy by 2035. This includes new rail links and road upgrades.
Oxford will get a growth commission to help boost its economy. They’re also planning to build nine new reservoirs in the area.
In Cambridge, a new cancer research hospital is on the agenda. This comes after funding was announced for North Manchester General Hospital.
For the north, Reeves mentioned reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport. There are also plans for a new manufacturing park at East Midlands Airport.
She promised that the National Wealth Fund would support key investments in Greater Manchester. However, she didn’t commit to specific funding for Old Trafford.
Burnham responded positively, noting the government’s commitment to kickstart growth. He highlighted the potential for Old Trafford to create new homes and boost the economy.
He also stressed the need for a new railway line between Manchester and Liverpool. This could help the economy grow even more.
