UK minister tours northern cities to reaffirm commitment to region's plans

Britain's newly- appointed Northern Powerhouse minister Andrew Percy visited three major cities to meet civic leaders in the north of England Wednesday to reaffirm the British government's commitment to the region.

The tour is intended to confirm the government's prioritization of the ambitious plans first conceived two years ago by former Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne to build a Northern Powerhouse.

It was the first official tour of the region by Percy since his appointment by Prime Minister Theresa May.

He visited the northern cities to hear for himself how devolving greater power from Whitehall to city halls, and greater investment is already leading to the creation of jobs and stronger economic growth, said a government statement.

Percy said: "Building the Northern Powerhouse is a long-term government priority and central to our plans to re-balance the economy.

"As a proud Northerner, I am determined to ensure that people in every part of the north, from large cities to small rural communities, enjoy greater control over their lives and stronger, more sustainable economic growth."

"This government will continue to support major investments to unlock the potential of the north and ensure that every area benefits from a growing economy," said Percy, citing foreign investment, improving transport and creating new jobs as key commitments.

During the past two years there has been 127 percent growth in the number of foreign direct investment projects in the Northern Powerhouse, with the North West region outperforming every other region in Britain, said a Whitehall spokesman.

The concept of a Northern Powerhouse was conceived by Osborne and former premier David Cameron as a strategy to re-balance the growing economic divide between the north and the London-centered south east of England. Endit