International Investment Summit

The Minister opened the debate by expressing delight at hosting the Government's inaugural international investment summit at the Guildhall in London. The event was attended by leaders of the world's biggest companies, including Alphabet, BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, and Novo Nordisk, who came to meet with Government Ministers and hear the new Government's message. The Minister stated that the Government's clear message at the summit was that the UK is open for business once again. They have turned the page on the stagnation and instability of the previous Government and have put growth at the forefront of their agenda, reassuring investors that they will create the best conditions for them to invest and grow their businesses. This, the Minister said, has restored the economic stability and confidence that businesses have been seeking for too long. The Prime Minister and the Chancellor, as well as the high-profile investors who spoke at the summit, made it clear that the UK has an enormous amount to offer. The Government has demonstrated its commitment to growth and restored economic stability, giving businesses the confidence they need for the long term. Increasing investment into the UK is the Government's top priority to drive growth, the Minister said. Their mission-driven approach allows them to think in terms of years, not weeks, and to commit to the hard work required to break down the silos that have often prevented effective government and real growth-driving change. This is about ambitious policymaking for the long term, not short-term solutions. As a result of the stability dividend introduced by this Government, the Minister announced a record-breaking £63 billion of shovel-ready investments across the country, more than at any previous summit and more than double the total of last year's summit, from global companies such as Eli Lilly, ServiceNow, and Holtec, among others.