Investment zones

That this House expresses its deep alarm at the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s announcement that the Government will implement investment zones in certain areas of the UK, including West Yorkshire; highlights the history of similar policies around the globe, particularly in former British colonies, which have often resulted in the suspension of full democratic rights in favour of the freedom of capital; notes that many areas which the Government wants to target with these zones are already held back communities; agrees with the concerns of many campaign groups, including environmental organisations, who are very worried about the future protection of the environment under these investment zones which could suspend planning rules, lead to more green belt being built upon and put the freedom of capital before the urgent need to protect our natural world as well as settled communities; recognises the argument by planning experts that suspending planning rules could create slums of the future and could mean developers scrap affordable housing, flood defences and environmental protections; and believes these zones will not promote investment in communities because what is needed is a Marshal Aid-style investment plan to level up all held back areas.