PM puts Derby at “heart of drive” to reindustrialise Britain

Prime Minister Andy Burnham working with an apprentice at Rolls Royce (Credit: No.10)

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has put Derby at the centre of his Labour Government’s drive to reindustrialise Britain and create fresh hope for the future.

The PM and Chancellor John Healey visited Rolls-Royce’s Learning and Career Development Centre in the city following Wednesday’s Budget, which included the announcement of a £2.5 million agreement for the firm to build cutting-edge, cleaner and more efficient jet engines, jointly funded with the Government over 10 years.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward and Derby South MP Baggy Shanker also joined them for a tour of the site, which included some hands on experience of the work carried out by the apprentices on engines, as well as a chat over coffee to hear how the investment will support them as they build their careers at the firm – and build their lives in the East Midlands.

Speaking after the visit, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “Derby is at the heart of our drive to reindustrialise this country and this £2.5 billion agreement with Rolls-Royce puts the whole of the East Midlands in a strong position for the next decade.

“It was fantastic to see this success story in person and meet the young people powering this world famous firm into the future.

“This Labour Government’s plans for reindustrialisation gives businesses in the region and across the country the certainty to invest, creates jobs people can build a future on, and keeps British industry where it belongs, at the forefront of innovation.”

East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward said: “This region has a proud industrial history, but visits like today show what a vital part it will play in our future too.

“With a Labour Government working hand in hand with a Labour Mayor, Labour MPs and a Labour Council, we can give our backing to the fantastic companies across the East Midlands and create the jobs of the future for the people of our cities, towns and villages.”

Labour MP for Derby South Baggy Shanker said: “This £2.5 billion joint investment shows Labour’s ambition for Derby and for British industry. It will support thousands of jobs and develop more efficient aircraft engines, while protecting the expertise Britain needs for its defence.

“For too long, governments failed to back British industry with the ambition it deserved. Labour is changing that, bringing government and industry together to make more in Britain and give working people a fair share in our country’s success.”

Wednesday’s Budget saw a raft of announcements that will not only give fresh hope to the region for its future but breathing space for its people today, including:

• The Household Energy Payment which will provide a £100 council tax rebate for up to 20 million households – including almost two million (1,978,740) properties in the East Midlands (88% of the region’s properties)
• Changes in business rates which will see 54% of the retail, hospitality and leisure properties in the East Midlands have their rates either frozen in real terms, reduced, or cut to zero
• The Good Growth Fund allocations for the East Midlands will see over £45 million given to local leaders to invest in their own growth priorities, with over £26 million going to the East Midlands Combined County Authority