It represents just a tenth of that price tag of Crossrail, yet will improve the economic prospects of huge swathes of the UK.
The real returns we are seeing on Birmingham 2022 show what can be achieved by devolved decision making and local leadership.
Kwarteng declares: “With grit, with drive and with determination, we can meet the challenges of this new era.”
With this year’s Party Conference in Birmingham, I recommend visiting a couple of sites of political heritage in the city where one can learn about the father of two future Tory leaders.
Celebrating our heritage, protecting the green belt, and encouraging healthy living, they reflect the renewal of the West Midlands.
We will also adopt a brownfield first building policy – and stop Labour’s plans for destroying the city’s valuable park land.
Winning in Birmingham and Bury is not enough. Bolton, Peterborough, and Derby are the challenges Labour needs to overcome.
With 1.5 billion people estimated to be tuning in, the Games will be a fantastic opportunity for my region – and the economic benefits are already apparent.
The Labour administration is piling on costs but failing to deliver the basics – to the frustration of residents.
It boosts local economies and creates jobs, while it also provides tangible evidence of improvement in regions.
In the run up to the White Paper on Levelling Up, our interview with the former Chancellor opens this week’s ConHome series on localism.
The Government’s actions are also a sign of confidence in the combined authority model.
This isn’t about protecting the environment – it’s about making life hell for hardworking motorists.
While I support the principle of these zones, a poorly executed plan will bring up the cost of living.
Regional disparities can do huge damage to growth. Here are five reasons why the Government’s mission makes sense from every angle.