PM Theresa May targets industrial growth with new Cabinet committee

Prime Minister Theresa May is set to chair the first meeting of new committee put together to develop the UK’s industrial strategy.

The new Economy and Industrial Strategy Cabinet Committee, the government has said, will focus on delivering an economy “that works for everyone”.

Bringing together the Secretaries of State from over 10 departments at Downing Street this afternoon (August 2), the committee will seek to promote a diversity of industrial sectors and ensure that growth benefits are shared across cities and regions all over the UK.

In particular, the committee will address long-term productivity growth, encourage innovation and give priority to the industries and technologies that will offer the UK a competitive advantage globally.

Commenting on the move, PM Theresa May said: “As I said on my first day as Prime Minister, I will govern for the whole United Kingdom, and we will look to build an economy that works for everyone, not just the privileged few.

“That is why we need a proper industrial strategy that focuses on improving productivity, rewarding hard-working people with higher wages and creating more opportunities for young people so that, whatever their background, they go as far as their talents will take them.”

She added: “We also need a plan to drive growth up and down the country, from rural areas to our great cities.”

Speaking further, the PM said the UK will need to have its “whole economy firing” if it is to take advantage of the opportunities presented by Brexit.

She continued: “That’s why this committee’s work is of the highest priority, and we will be getting down to work immediately.”