The Government has agreed to continue funding a partnership aimed at making the West of England a powerhouse, despite looking to scrap similar initiatives elsewhere.
The Great South West provides a unified voice for Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset in Westminster. It also plays a pivotal role in securing investment and driving business growth across the region - and the wider 海角视频 economy.
Those involved in the initiative have hailed the announcement, which followed an extensive national consultation on pan-regional partnerships across England.
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The consultation saw the Government receive more submissions from the South West than any other English region, with leaders from industry, education, academia and local government highlighting its importance to the 海角视频.
It was feared funding for the Great South West could be axed following chancellor Rachel Reeves' Budget last November.
Karl Tucker, chair of the Great South West Partnership, said: "This announcement is a clear endorsement of the South West’s vital role in delivering national priorities – from energy security and net zero, to defence and advanced manufacturing.
"Thanks to the powerful coalition we have built across business, education, and local government, the Government has recognised the unique case for our region and the continued importance of the Great South West."
The Great South West will now work with ministers and officials to determine the next steps, it said.
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In February, deputy prime minister Angela Rayner confirmed no new mayoral structures would be established in the South West under the first wave of new devolution plans, with no arrangements in the region likely to be in place for some considerable time.
"This announcement reinforces the urgent need for the Great South West to continue to work together, to present a unified voice into Government and on the national stage," a spokesperson for the partnership said.
Councillor Millie Earl, vice chair of the Great South West and leader of BCP Council, has now called for "long-term certainty" to help with future planning. "We cannot afford to lose the momentum we’ve built," she said.
Clive Higgins, chief executive and chair of Leonardo 海角视频 and Great South West board member, said it was "critical" the region’s leaders worked together to showcase the South West on the national stage.
"We must continue to champion the South West as a global leader in defence, advanced engineering, manufacturing, clean energy, aerospace and so much more," he added.
The Great South West Partnership will now work with partners across business, education, and Government to determine how the region continues to have a "unified and clear voice" in Westminster.
While these discussions progress, a full programme of activity will continue to be delivered, it said. The partnership will be hosting the fourth in its series of events at Westminster on March 18, showcasing the region’s strategic inward investment opportunities to investors, ministers and international trade missions.
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