The Ayrshire Growth Deal is a Go. On a visit to Ayr, Prime Minister Theresa May has confirmed the UK Government’s commitment to delivering the ambitious package of investment in the local economy.
On a visit to textile firm Begg & Co in Ayr, the Prime Minister formally announced the UK Government’s support for the Ayrshire Growth Deal saying:
“Scotland – with its diverse sectors ranging from wool, salmon and whisky production, to world-leading universities, tech hubs and cultural institutions – is such a significant contributor to our United Kingdom. I was to see it prosper as we forge a new role for ourselves in the world.
That’s why we’re continuing to back Scotland and I am pleased today to announce we are opening talks over a new Ayrshire Growth Deal that should significantly boost the local economy and opportunities for people here.”
Brian Whittle MSP has welcomed the announcement. Since becoming an MSP in 2016, the South Scotland MSP has been lobbying the UK and Scottish Governments to deliver the ambitious plans. He has had a number of meetings with senior UK Government figures, including Scottish Secretary David Mundell and Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Greg Clark MP who visited Scotland to meet with Brian and other local Scottish Conservative MSPs. Brian has also highlighted the deal at Holyrood a number of times and secured the support of party leader Ruth Davidson MSP.
Commenting, Brian Whittle MSP said:
“This is fantastic news for Ayrshire. I’m delighted the Prime Minister was able to come to Ayr and make this announcement. It’s been a long road to get to this point, but in all the meetings I’ve had with UK Government ministers, there’s been a genuine enthusiasm for delivering the deal.
The deal represents a huge opportunity for Ayrshire to grow and develop its economy and turn South West Scotland into a real powerhouse.
I look forward to continuing to work with the Growth Deal team and UK and Scottish Government Ministers as we move to the next stage of the process.”