Growth Deal for North Wales Remains a “Key Focus” Says Wrexham MP

Wrexham MP Ian Lucas has said a Growth Deal for North Wales remains a key focus for an important Parliamentary group.

Mr Lucas, who was last week re-elected Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Mersey Dee North Wales area, said that the group would continue pressing Ministers for action on a growth deal for North Wales and for improvements to cross-border transport.

He said: “The All Party group brings together MPs and peers from across North Wales and the North West of England.

“There is a growing recognition that we have to work together to secure the best our area – that was the case before this year’s General Election, and it remains a key focus now that the new Parliament is in place. Indeed, it was one of the key drivers behind the setting up of our group.

“The appetite for change is not simply limited to Parliament, however. For instance, I have been heartened to see local authorities across Wales –including here in Wrexham – sign up to support some of the key projects for our area, including the Growth Track 360 transport bid and the North Wales Growth deal.

“In the Assembly, a sister group to the Parliamentary group has been set up, and I met with its chair Hannah Blythyn earlier this month. The Assembly is also leading the way in supporting North Wales – with announcements such as the recent siting of the Development Bank in Wrexham.

“And in our education sector, I know that institutions such as Glyndwr University are also working hard to make the case for our region, for working together with business and working together on cross-border issues, and for investment.

“Our region is speaking with one voice, and it is calling for change.

“What we want from the UK Government is commitment to our region in concrete terms – work must continue on the North Wales Growth deal and the Growth Track 360 transport proposals.

“Ministers must not be distracted from ensuring we get the very best for North Wales.”