We’ve heard endless spiel over the last few years about “Levelling Up”, and yet seen very little concrete change to rebalance the UK economy and ensure Northern and Midlands economies can unleash just as much potential as London and the South East. This issue is back in Parliament this week, with the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill returning for two days of debate.

Sadly, after twelve years of Conservative stagnation, with rhetoric rarely matching reality, it is now clear this Government will not level up this country. It is absurd to talk about a “Medici-style renaissance” of our town centres when inflation is at a 30 year high and in every region and nation, families and businesses are struggling to survive. Those of us who have been fighting for investment in Northern town centres have had bid after bid rejected, often only to see the funds go to towns which are already visibly prosperous –and the ignorance demonstrated by these vacuous visions adds insult to injury, especially when the wider economic picture is so challenging.

We need to get money back into people’s pockets, bring down bills, and deliver a new generation of well-paid jobs. Only then we will see our high streets and town centres be able to thrive again – the real route to levelling up this country.

Sadly, the Levelling Up Bill is as thin as a threadbare sock, sorely lacking in new ideas and new money. Labour has pledged to set Britain’s sights higher by delivering the biggest ever transfer of power from Westminster to the British people through radical inclusive growth plans alongside economic and political devolution.

Part of that growth must come from getting Britain building again. Labour wants to see planning reforms used to change the system, delivering more genuinely affordable housing, well serviced communities, and thriving town centres supporting local businesses. This Bill comprehensively fails to deliver any meaningful reform that will help. I’ve never shied away from my strong belief that building new homes with accompanying infrastructure and community facilities is part of the answer – not just to our kids and grandkids being priced out of the housing market – but also to boosting Northern economies like ours. We need quality homes, quality jobs, quality lives.

The truth is, that the Levelling Up Bill has been beset by Tory backbench rebellions, with the Government then watering down all key elements. Rishi Sunak and Michael Gove are in office but not in power, too weak to stand up to their own backbenchers. I want to see much bolder answers that would help areas like Tameside go from strength to strength.