Westminster must relax its grip on the purse string to fix regional inequalities Andy Street Last week, Michael Gove visited Wolverhampton as he prepared to release the levelling up white paper out today. The central aim of this government has been to re-energise regions across the country to ensure investment and opportunities are shared widely. In the West Midlands, we have already begun the journey to create more opportunities and [...]
Tackling homelessness is the key to become a fairer society Andy Street We are only as strong as our weakest link. In our society, this is homelessness – an issue that leaves a moral stain on our country. If we are serious about levelling up society, guaranteeing a safe home for everyone is the only place to start. The Big Birmingham Sleep Out is a fantastic event [...]
Mass sporting events help bring the UK together and trumpet our shared values Commonwealth games Britain’s Roger Bannister beating John Landy in the so-called ‘Miracle Mile’ in Vancouver, Canada. Tanzania’s Filbert Bayi crushing the field by blasting out of the gates in the 1,500m in Christchurch, New Zealand. The Commonwealth Games certainly has form in creating history for people and places. Who will capture our imagination next year in Birmingham? [...]
Devolution to the regions will power a new industrial revolution October 26, 2021 Ahead of Cop26, the UK has a lot to be proud of on its climate change record. We have shown that climate action can go hand-in-hand with economic growth – as the recent Net Zero Strategy demonstrates. We are making important progress, but we need to make more. Regions like the West Midlands must be [...]
West Midlands’ transport system will follow London’s lead September 22, 2021 While Westminster was abuzz with all the reshuffle gossip last week, my eyes were immediately drawn to the renewed focus on the levelling up agenda. With a new high-profile cabinet minister in place and a re-named department, it is clear the Prime Minister is intent on delivering the vision he laid out in his speech [...]
