Bishop of Exeter to question 'Levelling Up' plans for the South West in Lord’s debate
The Rt Rev’d Robert Atwell hopes it will raise the profile of the region
Last updated 7th Apr 2022
The Bishop of Exeter will be asking the Government what its ‘Levelling Up’ plans are for the South West of England in a debate in the House of Lords today (Thursday 7 April).
The Rt Rev’d Robert Atwell has been granted an hour-long debate after putting forward the motion: "The Lord Bishop of Exeter to ask Her Majesty’s Government what are their 'levelling up' plans for the South West of England."
The debate will take place in the Moses Room of the Lords at 2.00pm.
In his opening address, Bishop Robert will discuss some of the current disadvantages for people in the South West in the areas of education, housing, farming, transport, digital infrastructure and life chances for young people.
He will also highlight the rural/urban divide which he says is often forgotten in conversations about England’s north/south divide.
Bishop Robert said: "The narrative accompanying the Government’s 'Levelling Up' strategy focuses on the North-South divide to the neglect of other regional inequities such as the South West, and the unacknowledged urban-rural fault line that runs through many of the Government’s policies.
"I hope this debate will raise the profile of our region and generate an energy for the flourishing of the South West."
The Rt Rev’d Robert Atwell - Bishop of Exeter