Lord Heseltine visits Airbus UK

Lord Heseltine recently visited Airbus UK in North Bristol to discuss the opportunities that the devolution agenda offers to the Bristol city region.

The former Conservative minister has been instrumental in driving the devolution agenda within the Coalition Government and Conservative party.

His ‘No Stone Left Unturned’ report in 2012 set out the case for giving greater local control to drive economic growth and he remains a key advisor to the Prime Minister and Chancellor and an advocate and promoter of devolution within central government.

Commenting on Lord Heseltine’s visit to Airbus, James Durie, Executive Director of Bristol Chamber of Commerce and Initiative at Business West, said: “The visit of yet another major political heavyweight highlights the political significance of our region and only increases the appetite for shift of power from Whitehall.

“In the past month we have seen Chuka Umunna and Ed Balls come to Bristol, showcasing our political economic pull, and the visit of an instrumental figure in the devolution agenda in Lord Heseltine signals our intent going forward.

“We have already seen Manchester strike an historic deal and agreements are in the process of being agreed for Sheffield, Leeds and Newcastle.

“As a result we must ensure that Bristol, Bath and the West of England is not left behind as we watch the progress being made elsewhere, as devolution can mean more jobs, more investment, and a better environment for business.

“Lord Heseltine’s visit to Airbus will help public and private sector leaders focus their minds and keep the momentum needed if we are to get a good deal from central government.”