Over a dozen new Labour MPs in the East of England travelled to Liverpool for the Labour Party conference, many representing constituencies which had been Conservative for decades. Excitement levels were high amongst this fresh intake nearly 100 days into the start of a new Labour led Parliament. But now the reality of being in government is starting to set in.
The challenge for these new MPs, who are mostly on the backbenches, is how they can ensure the region’s voice is heard around the cabinet table and in policy decision making when they’re not in the room. Navigating the mechanisms of Parliament is a steep learning curve and the East of England has historically been overlooked, even though it punches above its weight economically.
Despite a packed conference agenda, as my colleague writes the general mood on the floor was mixed with businesses feeling there was a lack of specific policy to get their teeth into. The Prime Minister has set out his big vision, rebuilding the economy with a government of service, but the detail is still unclear. So, with many questions unanswered, where does that leave the East of England? Here are three reflections on how the Labour Conference impacts the region.
One of the big announcements from the Prime Minister was that Great British Energy, a landmark commitment from the Labour Party to setup a state owned energy company, will be headquartered in Aberdeen. The East of England has a thriving energy sector, so the question is how the region can remain competitive and take advantage of the opportunities GB Energy will bring.
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband set out his mission for an ‘armoury of clean power’ by 2030. He highlighted the need to accelerate the utilisation of offshore wind, solar power, nuclear and tidal – technologies all of which are being invested in the East of England. In fact, in many areas the region is leading the charge in renewable technologies. The energy sector, working with MPs, will want to ensure the jobs and investment opportunities Miliband heralded as the ‘biggest economic opportunity of our time’ happens here in the East.
A key part of delivering this agenda will be the underlying skills in the economy, an area the East of England has historically struggled. The region currently has one of the highest levels of skill shortages in the UK, with construction and manufacturing the sectors amongst those most affected. This the risk is, if the workforce isn’t there, investment will go elsewhere.
There is, however, an opportunity for the region to overcome this challenge. The Prime Minister reiterated plans to reform the Apprenticeship Levy and replace it with a Skills and Growth Levy. The Apprenticeship Levy had been criticised by businesses for a lack of funding, a complex process to navigate and a limited flexibility. Labour has outlined that the new levy will be developed with employers and training providers and will offer greater flexibility. A new foundation apprenticeship has also been announced to help young people at the start of their careers.
However, further details have not yet been confirmed and, as always, the devil is in the detail. There are no quick fixes to the current skills shortages hampering the East of England economy. Institutions at all levels from schools, colleges to employers will need to work together to ensure that the region is driving investment in the skills needed in the economy.
A final reflection on health which is very much front and centre in the government’s in tray with winter just around the corner. Waiting lists remain stubborn at over 7 million and it’s a mixed picture across the East of England. Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting highlighted this postcode lottery across the UK when it comes to healthcare access.
This isn’t just a social issue either. It’s an economic one too. The number of people leaving the workforce as a result of long term sickness has risen to over 2.5 million, the highest it’s been in over thirty years. This encompasses both physical and mental health. Streeting spoke in detail about the challenges facing the NHS and the need for reform. In particular, the importance of tackling social care in parallel. However, the specific policy agenda is still somewhat unclear. As with skills, it’s not just investment the East of England needs. It requires a coordinated approach across all levels of the health and social care sector.
Labour knows as it reaches its 100 days, the honeymoon period is coming to an end. The same is true of the East of England’s new MPs who are adamant they do not want to be one term representatives. The region has historically been overlooked when it comes to investment and there are clear opportunities under this new government. The region’s MPs will need to make the case to secure the funding and unlock these growth opportunities. However, for businesses, the current temperature in relation to the Conference has been lukewarm. As we cross the 100 day threshold, the Labour government will need to start outlining more policy detail behind its vision.
