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North East vital to keeping UK plc on the right track says NECC

The president of the NECC yesterday urged the Minister of State for Transport, Theresa Villiers, to recognise the important role the region will play in helping the UK meet its growth targets.

Speaking at a High Speed Rail stakeholder event in the region, Martyn Pellew said that the role north East can play is pivotal for the Uk to meet its target of better-balanced growth.

He stressed the region’s ability to punch above its weight on international trade means it will be vital to growing Britain’s export strength.

Furthermore, he said the region’s growing expertise in low carbon technology makes it a critical player in developing green growth and green jobs.

Mr Pellew also reiterated the importance of early connectivity to the High Speed Rail network to the future success of the region’s economy,

He said: “For the North East, the potential benefits of high speed rail are incredibly exciting.

“A connection to the North East is forecast to create a £3.1bn productivity benefit, through helping connect our businesses to key markets, attract inward investment and generate increased visits to this region’s stunning tourist attractions.”

Mr Pellew said it was important that the Government’s plans to introduce High Speed Rail was not derailed or delayed by local planning issues.

He added: “From the perspective of North East businesses, we would urge you and your colleagues, Minister, to remain focused on the strategic benefits this could bring throughout the UK as you seek to address the very local planning concerns this will doubtless create.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .