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Industry: North of England

Asked by Jonathan HinderLabourDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 26 May 2026UIN 1845

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps the he is taking to ensure the government's industrial strategy supports towns in the North of England.

Answered by Blair McDougall

The Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy is a 10-year, place-based plan supporting towns across the North to grow and attract investment. It aligns with the Northern Growth Strategy, realising the potential of the North’s £476 billion economy and 8.1 million jobs.

Through the industrial strategy eight priority sectors—including clean energy, advanced manufacturing and defence—we are targeting investment and innovation where the North has clear strengths. We are working with Mayoral Strategic Authorities and local authorities to deliver local priorities, while improving skills, infrastructure and access to finance so that growth benefits towns and communities across the North.

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