Posted: Sun 13th Nov 2016

Push for Westminster Investment in North Wales Continues

Wrexham.com for people living in or visiting the Wrexham area
This article is old - Published: Sunday, Nov 13th, 2016

A push for further investment in North Wales has continued this week at Westminster.

Members of the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Mersey-Dee North Wales area have met with Welsh Government Minister for the Economy and Infrastructure Ken Skates to discuss plans for the region – and have also set out a list of priorities they want to see the UK Government lend their support to in the upcoming Autumn Statement.

Separately, the group’s chairman, Wrexham MP Ian Lucas, has appealed to business ministers to back infrastructure investment in North Wales and support the area’s world-leading companies.

During Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy questions today, Mr Lucas told Business Minister Jesse Norman: “Global businesses such as Kellogg’s, Airbus, JCB and Toyota have sited themselves in north-east Wales and have prospered, making the area one of the most successful industrial areas in the UK.

“We would love to see the hon. Gentleman there. Will he bring with him the investment that these businesses deserve for their confidence in north-east Wales as an area?”

In reply, the Minister pledged to visit – and said: “I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for that question, and mourn the collegiality of the Select Committee on Culture, Media and Sport now that I have crossed on to the Front Bench.

“I share his admiration for the work of those companies; I had the great pleasure of visiting Airbus only a week or so ago. I would be delighted to visit his area in due course. The Government support those strategic industries in many different areas.”

Speaking after the debate, Mr Lucas said: “I was pleased the Minster responded positively – we need to see infrastructure investment from his Government in our area.

“There are specific examples where we would like further Government help. As we move towards the Autumn Statement, we are looking to the UK Government to offer funding for a series of rail improvements in the region.

“These include further improvements in capacity on lines serving Wrexham and Chester, an upgrade of the Wrexham to Bidston line, and faster speeds along the North Wales coast line and into Cheshire.

“These are part of a wider package which we would wish to see implemented – but they are a starting point for Government support.

“There remains a feeling of real momentum on transport issues. Our group’s meeting with Ken Skates this week was very positive too, and we hope to hear more good news from UK Government Ministers in the coming weeks.”



Spotted something? Got a story? Email [email protected]



Have a look at...

Turnover up 75% as Wrexham AFC say ‘losses shouldnt be repeated’ as payroll nears £7m

Off-road motorcyclists ‘using their bikes dangerously’ warned they ‘will be seized’

Saturday’s Wrexham Artisan Market to be ‘showcase’ of local and national products

MMA Event coming to north east Wales this weekend!

Rare newts thriving after north east Wales pond restoration

Plans for new studio flat above Wrexham fast food restaurant

Football Banning Order issued to Wrexham man for ‘pyro offences’

Ambulance Service ‘expecting the Bank Holiday period to be a busy one for us’

Reminder to check for Schools Essentials Grant before window closes at end of May

Wrexham AFC Women Awarded first UEFA License and FAW Tier 1 License renews for 2024/25 Season

“Disrespectful” easter egg hunt in cemetery cancelled after backlash

Free Easter Egg Hunt in Wrexham city centre tomorrow!