'Growth in Hull vital for future of country' - shadow cabinet minister Rachel Reeves

HULL could be at the forefront in creating the jobs of the future, according to Shadow Cabinet minister Rachel Reeves.

Labour's Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury spoke to the Mail before giving a keynote speech on the "Northern Economy" in Leeds.

She said: "Hull and the Humber should be at the forefront of creating the jobs of the future in renewable energy.

"The region is crying out for jobs."

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Ms Reeves criticised the Government for abolishing Yorkshire Forward, claiming it meant there was no "strategic oversight to ensure that inward investment in the region is secured".

The speech, hosted by the think tank IPPR North yesterday, has been seen as an attempt by the Labour Party to flesh out its thinking on the economy.

It will built on Labour's "One Nation" theme, unveiled by Ed Miliband at last year's party conference in Manchester.

Ms Reeves said: "Labour's vision of a One Nation economy, in which growth is more broadly based and rewards more fairly shared, represents a historic opportunity for the north to play its part and punch its economic weight.

"This is because we need the north to succeed if we are to turn that vision into reality.

"A strategy to develop the growth potential of the north – the skills of its workforce, the productivity and competitiveness of its businesses, is essential to securing the economic future of our country as a whole.

"An economy that is better balanced between different sectors, and invests in the skills, infrastructure and new ideas we need to succeed in global markets, will mean better opportunities for businesses in the north to grow, and working people to raise their living standards."

Ms Reeves also echoed recent proposals from Lord Heseltine to put "power in the hands of the people", calling for "a radical redistribution of power from the centre to local communities, businesses and working people so we can rebuild and rebalance our economy from the bottom up".

She said: "That's why Labour is calling for Local Enterprise Partnerships to be strengthened and empowered, and for an extension of the City Deals model that allows employers and employees, local leaders and civil society across the country to develop their own solutions and take control of their own future."