Lib Dem Deputy Leader announces Department for Growth in Birmingham

The Liberal Democrats would establish a new Department for Growth in Birmingham in a radical restructure of the Treasury, the party’s Deputy Leader and Treasury Spokesperson, Daisy Cooper, has said. This move would enable Birmingham to lead the country’s economic growth agenda and strengthen the city’s economy.

The announcement comes as Daisy Cooper visits Aardvark Jewellery, an independent jeweller in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter, to learn about the jewellery-making process from founder Ashley Adams.

The Liberal Democrats said that placing the new Growth Department in Birmingham would send a strong signal that the country’s second city should mastermind the country’s plans to Get Britain Growing Again and to end the cost of living crisis.

Previous research by the Resolution Foundation suggests that if the gap between Birmingham and the capital were closed from 37% to 20%, the entire national economy could see a boost of around £12 billion a year.

The Lib Dems said Birmingham had been neglected by successive Governments, forced to shadow other UK cities that have had civil service departments relocated, such as Manchester, Darlington, and East Kilbride. They added that Birmingham’s world-leading industrial, financial and professional services sectors and international connections made it a “no-brainer” as the home of a modernised, ambitious new driving force for economic growth across Britain.

Cllr Roger Harmer, Leader of Birmingham Liberal Democrats, welcoming Daisy Cooper MP to the city, said:

“The Liberal Democrats have a big new plan to help grow the UK economy, and we believe Birmingham should be at the heart of it. It shows that with the Lib Dems, we can give local people a brighter future.

“Over the past few years, Birmingham has had a tough time. Too many mistakes by the Labour-run Council have made things harder for local people and damaged our city’s reputation. Businesses are feeling worried too, and confidence has dropped.

“But Birmingham is an amazing city with so much going for it. We have huge projects like HS2 on the way, a new creative area growing in Digbeth, and exciting plans for sport in East Birmingham. Our culture and history are second to none. And, the world-famous Jewellery Quarter is something we are truly proud of.

“We believe Birmingham can rise again, but Labour need to be kicked out of office. This is the UK’s second city. We should be leading the way, creating jobs, backing local businesses and giving people hope. We need change, and it’s only the Lib Dem team here that can deliver real change to the city. 

“Together, we can make Birmingham a city everyone feels proud to call home.”

Daisy Cooper, Treasury Spokesperson and Deputy Leader, said:

“The whole country is crying out for bold new ideas to get the economy growing again. That’s why we Lib Dems would base a brand-new Department for Growth right here in Birmingham – putting the country’s second city in the driving seat.

“People have been hard done by for years by politicians that refuse to chuck out their tired old playbook on how to put money in people’s pockets. We Lib Dems want to wrest power out of Whitehall into the UK’s other cities and regions.

“Birmingham’s unparalleled industrial heritage, combined with its powerful position as a modern economic hub, makes it a no-brainer to host a new powerful government department tasked with one of the most vital jobs of government - to Get Britain Growing Again to end the cost of living crisis.”