Tom Gordon MP Calls for Growth that Works for Everyone Through Social Mobility and Upskilling

Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has called for greater attention to social mobility and upskilling of local communities during a Science, Innovation, and Technology Select Committee meeting today. 

Speaking at the Committee, Tom raised concerns about the need to ensure that regional growth driven by research and universities directly benefits local residents. He asked what steps are going to be taken to ensure communities are supported as regions expand and attract skilled workers.

As Tom highlighted today, while growth creates opportunities, it can also bring challenges, such as rising living costs that risk pricing out long-term residents. As Tom warned, without investments in local upskilling, communities may be left behind as newcomers take advantage of new opportunities, forcing locals out. 

Professor Irene Tracey CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford responded positively, acknowledging the importance of ‘inclusive innovation.’ She assured Tom and the Committee that efforts are underway to ensure growth benefits local populations, resolves infrastructure challenges, and involves local communities in the process.  

Commenting, Tom said: 

‘We can all agree that growth is great, but it must be for everyone. 

‘To achieve this, we need to ensure local people have the skills to access new opportunities and aren’t excluded or displaced by economic development. Growth should empower communities, not alienate them. 

‘This means working proactively to upskill residents, address inequalities, and provide meaningful support so that everyone, no matter their background, can benefit from the economic opportunities that growth can bring. 

‘Harrogate and Knaresborough are fortunate to be close to Leeds and York and part of a region with many fantastic universities and spin outs, as well as science sector employers. I am committed to ensuring that everyone across our area can share in the opportunities future growth will create.’ 

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