12 Nov West London Alliance Unites MPs to Drive Investment in West London’s Economic Future
Photo L-R: Ruth Cadbury MP, Deidre Costigan MP, and Danny Beales MP Speaking at WLA’s Parliamentary Reception
With annual economic output of £70 billion – bigger than the cities of Birmingham and Manchester put together – West London plays a vital role in the UK economy. On 11th November 2024, West London Alliance (WLA) convened West London’s council leaders, MPs, London Assembly members, and West London business leaders at the House of Commons to discuss unlocking West London’s full potential.
West London is ‘the world’s most connected place’, home to Heathrow Airport, the Elizabeth Line, and the upcoming HS2 station at Old Oak Common. The sub-region supports thriving industry clusters in sectors such as film, screen, and life sciences. But – as attendees at the Parliamentary reception explored – West London’s full potential cannot be unlocked without investment and improvement. This includes better orbital transport, such as the proposed West London Orbital railway and improved bus links; quicker investment in vital clean energy infrastructure; and stronger local powers to equip West Londoners with future skills.
The event featured speeches by MPs representing places across West London, including Ruth Cadbury (also Chair of the House of Commons Transport Committee), Deirdre Costigan, and Danny Beales, as well as Cllr. Barry Rawlings, Chair of WLA and Leader of Barnet Council.
Cllr. Rawlings said: “West London is already an economic engine – but we still have so much more potential for inclusive, innovation-led growth. As civic leaders who work with our amazing businesses, communities and institutions every day, we know that with the right investment and support, West London can drive the step-change in productivity that the UK needs. Working with Members of Parliament, across parties, is crucial to making this case, and our Parliamentary reception was a great chance to engage and build support for West London’s ambitions.”
For more information, please contact:
Majeed Neky, Assistant Director, Economy, West London Alliance on nekym@ealing.gov.uk