Today, Rachel Reeves, the Shadow Chancellor, visited Stockport in Greater Manchester to emphasize Labour’s commitment to regional growth and job creation for young people in the North West. Last month, Labour promised to empower local leaders with the right tools to boost their economies, including new powers over transport, skills, housing, planning, and employment support.
Labor is now outlining a new British Industrial Strategy that will allocate ten-year research and development budgets to key institutions. This strategy aims to provide businesses with the stability necessary to drive wealth creation, growth, and employment opportunities in Britain.
As part of this initiative, Labour plans to support institutions like the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre North West in Lancashire, the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in Warrington, and the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Liverpool. These institutions are expected to create thousands of jobs and support various sectors like defense and nuclear energy.
Moreover, Labour is focused on ensuring that local young people have access to opportunities in high-tech industries. The party aims to support more young people into education, employment, or training, deliver professional careers advice, provide a “youth guarantee” of training or apprenticeships, and establish Technical Excellence Colleges to offer specialized skills training.
During her visit to Stockport, Reeves met with local leaders like Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, and Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region. They inspected the Weir Mill regeneration project and engaged with apprentices employed in the scheme. Reeves also toured the new transport interchange, a key part of Stockport’s regeneration program.
Rachel Reeves emphasized that the upcoming election offers a choice between chaos and decline under the Tories or stability, opportunity, and wealth creation with Labour. She highlighted Labour’s commitment to driving growth, creating quality jobs, and tackling regional inequality. Andy Burnham echoed these sentiments, stating that Greater Manchester’s success is a testament to Labour’s vision for growth and devolution.
In conclusion, Labour’s visit to Stockport underscores the party’s dedication to fostering economic growth, creating sustainable jobs, and empowering local communities in the North West. The initiatives outlined by Labour aim to provide long-term stability, support high-tech industries, and ensure that young people have the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in the evolving job market. By partnering with local leaders and investing in key sectors, Labour is striving to build a stronger and more inclusive economy for all regions of the UK.
