Chancellor offers East Mids backing during US visit

UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves has vowed to unlock the ‘huge potential’ of the East Midlands during a visit to Washington DC this week.

Reeves was joined by East Midlands mayor Claire Ward as the pair met with investors and companies as part of the IMF Spring Meetings, hoping to drive further investment into the region.

Last month, during a speech at the Bayes Business School in London, she outlined proposals to give England’s mayors a share of national tax revenues, part of a radical plan to shift spending power away from Westminster and towards the UK’s regions.

“The opportunities on offer in the East Midlands are huge,” said Reeves.

“Whether it’s investing in the next generation of nuclear technology with Rolls-Royce, the developments at the freeport or the decision to place Great British Railway’s headquarters in Derby, this government is putting its weight behind the region, and there’s no doubt it’s an attractive destination for businesses from around the world to invest in.

“The East Midlands has the talent, ambition and vision – now with government and business working in partnership to back the East Midlands we will drive growth, boost jobs and put more money in people’s pockets.”

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, was also attending the Bloomberg Harvard programme for mayors which provides executive training, coaching, and networking to help regional leaders tackle complex challenges, innovate, and improve local services.

“The Chancellor clearly understands the potential of our brilliant region, and the message from the government is clear: the East Midlands is building the future economy, today, and the opportunities are there to be realised,” she said.

“Ours is a region that powered the country and shaped industry all over the world. It is already a great place to live, work, and learn, but as Mayor, I have even higher ambitions and will work with partners, innovators, and investors to achieve them.”