Levelling up the North on the agenda for AB Ports transport webinar

Associated British Ports (AB Ports) will host speakers from the industry and politicians to discuss ‘Levelling up the North’ at their Big Northern Transport Fringe webinar.

The discussion will take place on Tuesday 6th October via Zoom from 9am to 10.30am as a fringe event of the Conservative Party Conference.

The Government’s focus on scaling-up, levelling-up and accelerating green growth and recovery means that the Conservative Party Conference will provide a timely opportunity to kick start and shape the debate on what the North needs and how we build back better greener transport and a green recovery to level-up.

Discussion will be chaired by Spectator columnist, Katy Balls, and panellists confirmed to speak include:

• Kevin Hollinrake, MP for Thirsk and Malton
• Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Mayor
• David Clarke, Technical Director, Railway Industry Association
• Simon Bird, Regional Director Humber, AB Ports
• Claire Haigh, Chief Executive, Greener Journeys
• Karen Smart, MD of Manchester Airport
• Tim Wood, Northern Powerhouse Director, TfN
• Henri Murison, Director, Northern Powerhouse Partnership

Government are keen to accelerate and build, build, build shovel-ready projects and infrastructure. The creation of the Northern Transport Accelerator Council is welcome but given the relationship with transport and methods of travel have probably changed for good as a result of Covid-19, what are the priorities for the North now?  No one knows what the long-term impact will be on future capacity and demand for transport and travel.  However, decarbonisation, electrification and high speed rail will be high on the Green Recovery agenda to generate green skills and jobs necessary for levelling up the North’s economy.

The Zoom call can be joined at this link, and any questions for the panel can be emailed in ahead of the webinar.