• New All-Party Group on South West England will focus on growing the region’s economy
• Labour MP Luke Pollard said we should celebrate the south west as a great place to live and work
• Luke says working together is key to unlocking potential

This week Luke Pollard MP for Plymouth and Sutton Devonport joined fellow south west MPs to launch a new cross-party group on the Great South West. The new group is made up of Labour and Conservative MPs who have come together to promote the south west of England.

The group will focus on promoting a regional identity, highlighting opportunities across sectors including the defence and marine sectors. There will also be a focus on removing barriers to growth in the south west, addressing issues like poor connectivity and transport infrastructure.

Joining local leaders and businesses at the launch, Luke Pollard MP said:

“I was delighted to attend the launch of the Great South West APPG with my colleagues from the Westcountry. I’ve always said that working cross party will deliver the best results. We’re at our best when we come together to fight for our region’s interests.

 

“We know that Plymouth and the far south west don’t get their fair share of funding from this Government. Our transport links are precarious and underfunded, and our one and only rail line is still too fragile and unreliable. We need more action not more words from this Government to improve our region’s connectivity. Better connectivity will bring jobs to Plymouth and the wider south west region.

 

I believe we can achieve much more working together than alone. That’s why I’m pleased to have to have been elected Vice-Chair of the group and look forward to working with all my south west colleagues to stand up for our region and celebrate all it has to offer.”

Steve Hindley, Chair of the Great South West Partnership said:

“It’s great to come together as partners to speak up for our region. Transport connectivity will be a key part of our business case, including pushing for funding the A303 improvements and creation of Sub-National Transport Bodies within our region. I look forward to being part of the discussions going forward.”