Northern Powerhouse is not '˜short-term branding' - Sajid Javid

BUSINESS Secretary Sajid Javid has acknowledged the growing political 'cynicism' over the Northern Powerhouse '“ and challenged the policy's critics to be more patient.
Business Secretary Sajid Javid.Business Secretary Sajid Javid.
Business Secretary Sajid Javid.

Writing exclusively in The Yorkshire Post ahead of a dinner in Sheffield tonight, the Cabinet minister says the Government remains committed to the North.

“Now I know that for some people, particularly east of the Pennines, the very mention of the Northern Powerhouse is enough to get the eyes rolling. I understand the cynicism. Some previous governments were big fans of short-term branding,” he writes.

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“The Northern Powerhouse couldn’t be more different. It’s a serious long-term commitment that will help make the North of England greater than the sum of its parts. We’re able to do that because we believe that government should be investing in business, not in more government.”

Mr Javid also defended controversial proposals to shut the Sheffield regional office of the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills which he heads.

Irrespective of the final outcome – a decision is imminent on the future of over 250 jobs – he says more than 80 per cent of BIS staff will still be based outside the capital.

However the Minister has been criticised for refusing to meet Sheffield City Council leader Julie Dore during his visit.

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“I have been trying to meet with the minister to put our case forward on this issue since January and have said I will meet him at any time in any place, but he is refusing point blank to even sit in a room and discuss this when he is in Sheffield,” said the Labour politician.

Minister’s vision: Page 15.