New Voice for Yorkshire
Bradford MP David Ward will be the co-chair of a new Parliamentary Group for Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire, launched today.
The Group will be a cross party champion for the region's economic recovery and future growth, looking to maximise future investment for the benefit of all of its local communities and local economies.
The APPG will bring MPs and Peers together with key leaders - those in industry, local government and the wider public and voluntary sectors - to decide on clear and practical steps that will unlock growth across the region.
The Group has decided to focus its attention, initially, on three specific issues, all linked to the overarching priority of encouraging sustainable economic growth in Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire:
- Renewable energy - unlocking its growth, particularly in terms of off-shore wind, and harnessing the benefits for the region, in terms of jobs, skills improvements and wider community benefits.
- Transport infrastructure - in particular the extension of High Speed Rail to the region and the establishment of the "Northern Hub" for rail services, as well as the wider infrastructure needed to unlock growth in the short term.
- Tourism, culture and the regional brand - what are the challenges ahead and what more needs to be done to build on the recent increases in visitor numbers and help ensure the region is in the forefront of thinking amongst potential visitors and investors?
Welcoming the new group, David said:
"Yorkshire needs a strong voice to speak up for it in Parliament, to make sure it gets a fair deal from the Government. This new group will also help promote Bradford and Yorkshire as a great location for business and for tourists.
"As Co-Chair, I will work with our supporters in industry and local government to secure the investment we need to make it an even better place for those who live and work here."