MIPIM UK NEWS: The Northern Powerhouse needs certainty about the initiative being ‘business as usual’ and needs to maintain pressure on Theresa May’s post-Brexit government.
Speaking at the Battle of the Regions debate at MIPIM UK this afternoon, panellists, including leaders and chief executives of the five cities which make up the Northern Powerhouse – Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Sheffield and Wakefield – want this addressed within the chancellor’s Autumn Statement next month.
Ged Fitzgerald, chief executive at Liverpool City Council, said: “We want certainty around the Northen Powrhouse and stability. We have heard some feedback from government saying it is business as usual post Brexit, but it has been rather quiet of late.
“Assuming it is business as usual, I want a ringing endorsement about the initiative and confirmation about HS2 and HS3. The east/west connectivity is fundamentally important for the Northern Powerhouse. Certainty of delivery is needed. Skills, productivity, we need to address the productivity gap – are not enough to jobs in the North and this is fundamental.
“We need to focus on people, keep the pressure up on central government and we are not in competition with the Midlands Engine, said chair Mike Emmerich, founding director, Metro Dynamics.
Sir Howard Bernstein, outgoing chief executive of Manchester City Council, added: “There is an issue about where the Northern Powerhouse now sits within central government’s priorities.
“We have heard all right noises, we now need to see them in the Autumn Statement and we need commitment for HS2 and we need the northern rail project finished.
Panellists included Nick Forbes, leader Newcastle City Council and Joanne Roney, chief executive of Wakefield District Council.
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