An industrial strategy that's fit for the future

History has shown that where we have been slow to react to changes and advancements in technology, the country has suffered or missed opportunities.

Our economy underpins all the public services that are delivered at both a national and a local level and I take the view that if you really care about public services, you also need to care about the economy that pays for them.

We are enjoying a sustained period of steady economic growth under the Conservatives, but we can never rest on our laurels and we need to ensure that we are well placed to make the most of the economic opportunities and challenges of the future.

The modern Industrial Strategy is designed to back Britain for the long term so that businesses can grow and create more high-skilled and high-paid jobs.

The Industrial Strategy will include investing in science, research and innovation, and in upgrading infrastructure.

Different government policies will be more joined-up, such as those on business, infrastructure and skills, so as to better identify all of the opportunities that exist across our economy.

Crucially, it isn’t about picking winners or propping up any failing industries, it’s about creating the right conditions for businesses to emerge and grow in a sustainable way.

It also isn’t just nice words. Committed funding includes a £2 billion Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund and a £23 billion National Productivity Fund.

I see it as creating a virtuous circle where businesses can emerge, succeed, and then invest in the long-term future of our country.

The government are inviting people across the country to submit their views on the strategy so that responses can be considered before publishing a White Paper later in this year.

The consultation can be found on the Gov.UK website and I encourage Crawley residents and businesses to take part, given how important the local economy is to Crawley’s success.