Weekly Update
On Monday the Government hosted international business delegates at a record-breaking International Investment Summit. Nearly 38,000 UK jobs are set to be created across the UK after a total of £63 billion of investment was announced around the Summit, turbocharging growth and innovation across the country, more than doubling the amount secured at the 2023 Global Investment Summit.
The investment summit saw the Government announce further steps in the mission to deliver economic growth. These included that the UK Infrastructure Bank will operate as the National Wealth Fund, which will drive tens of billions of pounds in private investment towards the UK’s clean energy and growth sectors, as well as a new British Growth Partnership as part of the British Business Bank.
Investment, in partnership with the private sector and with a modern industrial strategy that will make us competitive on the global stage is central to delivering the economic growth that will create jobs and raise living standards here in Enfield North and across the country. I welcome the confidence this investment summit has shown that businesses have in the economy under the new Labour Government.
My first Oral Questions as the Minister for AI:
On Wednesday, ahead of Prime Minister’s Questions, I had the privilege of taking part in my first Oral Questions session as the Minister for AI & Digital Government.
At the despatch box, I reaffirmed this Government’s commitment to strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader in AI. I also highlighted the forthcoming AI Action Plan, which will introduce binding regulations for companies developing the most advanced AI systems. This will ensure the safe and responsible development of AI, fostering public trust in these transformative technologies.
You can see the clip of the exchange here.
Coffee Morning in Ponders End for residents:
On Friday I had the pleasure of hosting my first of three coffee mornings in Ponders End at The Qube.
It was really useful to hear directly from residents about important local issues, including concerns around anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping, and park maintenance.
If I can help you with anything, or if you would like to attend the next coffee morning next month, please get in touch via feryal.clark.mp@parliament.uk or 020 8804 4543.
I look forward to meeting you!
Government Childcare Expansion
I am committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity. This must start before school, with high-quality early education that is both available and affordable. I therefore welcome that on Thursday the Minister for Early Education gave a statement to the House of Commons on the Government’s plans to deliver 3,000 new or expanded school-based nurseries to provide additional childcare places.
The Minister announced that primary schools are now able to apply for a grant of up to £150,000 from a £15 million fund to make the changes needed for their site to accommodate a nursery. This first stage of the plan is set to support up to 300 new or expanded nurseries. The Minister said the Government expects funding to be allocated to successful schools in spring 2025 to support delivery of the first nursery places from 2025.
You can see more here.
Labour’s plans to tackle the rising cost of car insurance:
Car insurance is an essential, not a luxury. But the rising cost of cover has hit drivers hard. Car insurance premiums have soared an average of 21% since June 2022, according to analysis by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) watchdog, outpacing growth in countries like France and Germany. Factors driving up the cost of insurance include inflation, rising car thefts, and pothole-ridden roads.
That’s why this week Labour launched a task force to look at spiralling premiums and the impact on those hit hardest, such as low-income families, young drivers and the elderly. We will root out the factors driving up costs to ensure drivers get a fair deal.
No matter your background or circumstances, this government is determined to ensure drivers get a fair deal.
Friends of Bush Hill Park litter pick:
It was lovely to join Friends of Bush Hill Park last Sunday for the community litter pick!
Thanks to the team and volunteers for all the hard work and for continuing to clear up our community.
It doesn’t go unnoticed!
Changes to physical visas:
Physical visas are being replaced with e-visas.
If you require a visa to live or work in the UK, you have until the end of the year to get your e-visa in place.
You don’t have to pay for an e-visa - the visa and application are free.
You can see more here.
