27 Nov WLA Response to recent Government Industrial Strategy Green Paper

Councils across West London have set out why the sub-region must be at the heart of the Government’s planned Industrial Strategy.

In a joint West London Alliance response to the Government’s recent Industrial Strategy Green Paper, entitled ‘Invest 2035’, boroughs have highlighted key industry sectors and places in West London which offer opportunities for growth and jobs, and set out recommendations on how these opportunities can be unlocked for the benefit of residents, businesses and the whole UK economy.

As the response highlights, West London has a strong presence across several of the ‘growth-driving sectors’ identified by the Government – as well as critical enabling sectors and assets, such as Heathrow Airport, Park Royal and the logistics industry, which offer significant untapped potential for innovation-led growth.

We are now engaging with Government officials on next steps. This follows our recent reception in the House of Commons, which saw West London’s civic and business leaders, MPs and London Assembly members unite around West London’s five priorities for growth:

1. Improve orbital transport: Build the West London Orbital and support improved bus and active travel to key employment hubs
2. Enable the clean energy transition: Strengthen the electrical grid through investment ahead of need, supporting development and decarbonisation
3. Equip West Londoners with future skills: Devolve skills and employment support to West London and improve data and partnerships
4. Tackle the housing and homelessness crisis: Secure immediate funding and longer-term investment flexibility
5. Promote West London as a global innovation gateway: Make the most of Heathrow’s links to the world and drive digital transformation, technology adoption and export growth

You can read our full response to the Industrial Strategy Green Paper here and the annex here.