John Healey to promise 'new age of industrialisation' for UK in conference speech - BBC News
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Healey to promise 'new age of industrialisation' for UK in conference speech
Image source: PA Media
By Brian Wheeler, Political reporter, and Iain Watson, Political correspondent
Published 18 minutes ago
John Healey will pledge a "new age of industrialisation" for the UK when he delivers his inaugural Labour conference speech as chancellor on Monday.
Healey will tell delegates: "Our coal mines are not coming back," but that Labour aims to revive Britain's industrial heritage for the modern era by supporting advanced manufacturing.
He will also announce plans to bolster the UK's shipbuilding sector, including new orders for Royal Navy floating docks and a maritime research vessel.
With just a month until his first Budget, the chancellor faces pressure to either cut spending or raise taxes to address spiralling government borrowing costs. However, he is not expected to unveil any Budget details in his speech at Labour's annual conference in Liverpool.
Instead, he aims to present a positive vision for Britain's future industries, centred around what he calls "a new confidence in Britain."
The former defence secretary will announce the construction of three new floating docks at HM Royal Naval Base Clyde, Faslane, in the UK, rather than put the contract out to international tender. These docks are part of a £15bn upgrade programme for the Royal Navy's shipyards, set to come online in the early 2030s.
Louise Haigh, First Secretary of State, stated on Sunday that the government will also commission a new marine research vessel as part of the reindustrialisation plans. The chancellor is expected to commit £115m towards this project, which will also launch in the early 2030s.
Ahead of his speech, Healey commented: "By backing British shipyards, we are not only boosting national security but also securing resilience in the industries that will drive growth today while building the capabilities the country needs for the future."
Andrew Griffith, Shadow chancellor, criticised the plans as "reheated announcements" with "no clarity on where the money is coming from." He added: "Only the Conservatives will cut the welfare bill to fund defence."
Charlotte Brumpton-Childs, national secretary of the GMB union, praised the move as a "massive boost" for the UK's shipbuilding sector. "For too long juicy contracts have been sent to overseas - often subsidised - yards. This policy could reinvigorate UK yards and the communities that depend on them," he concluded.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham, due to deliver his conference speech on Tuesday, has previously expressed ambitions to "reindustrialise" Britain, including discussions with US President Donald Trump last week.
However, a survey to be published on Monday by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) will highlight declining economic activity in key sectors like retail and services during the three months to September, with manufacturing showing more modest declines.
Alpesh Paleja, CBI deputy chief economist, commented: "Rising energy and employment costs, combined with weak demand, are causing significant challenges for businesses."