"The summit demonstrated the significant common ground between local leaders and government."
Ministers Lord Patrick Vallance and Matthew Pennycook joined local leaders, chief executives, national agencies, and education and business representatives at the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor Regional Leaders Summit on 25 February.
The event, organised by EEH and overseen by our Chair, Cllr Adam Zerny, demonstrated the energy and momentum which has grown since the Chancellor launched the Growth Corridor a year ago.
It included presentations on the progress of regional partners and Government: next steps and actions were discussed to continue that momentum. Speakers included Naomi Green from EEH, Will Gallagher from East West Railway Company, Alistair Lomax from Arc Universities Group, Matt Allen from Oxford-Cambridge Supercluster Board, and the Government’s Oxford-Cambridge growth unit.
Speaking during the meeting, Lord Patrick Vallance, the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor Ministerial Champion, said he was impressed with the partnerships which have been formed in the region to make progress on issues such as investment, skills and connectivity.He added that other countries 'would fall over themselves to get hold of' a region as significant as the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor. "It is an extraordinary opportunity for the UK, that should benefit everyone across the corridor."
Matthew Pennycook, the Minister of State for Housing and Planning, told delegates: “We really want to get your feedback on what more we can do to work in partnership with you to take forward this exciting opportunity.”
Cllr Zerny said: "The summit demonstrated the significant common ground between local leaders and government. Our region is currently attracting much interest and we must all do everything we can to bring about the infrastructure improvements that residents deserve. It was a pleasure to see Lord Vallance and Matthew Pennycook and we're eager to continue discussions in the months to come.”
