APPG for the Western Gateway sets out plan for the year to boost region’s economic growth

Co-chaired by Labour MP Catherine Fookes and Conservative Peer Lord Davies of Gower, the APPG exists to raise the profile of the Western Gateway’s economic geography of South Wales and Western England and champion opportunities for the region in Parliament.

The APPG ran a Call For Ideas earlier this year, which saw over 30 responses from across the region including from businesses, industry groups, universities and members of the public.

Catherine Fookes, MP for Monmouthshire and Co-Chair of the Western Gateway APPG said:

“The Western Gateway is an incredible opportunity to drive growth around South Wales and Western England, making it the fastest growing regional economy outside of London. I’m delighted that we have agreed a fantastic agenda for the year ahead.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit proposals for the programme of work. We’re looking forward to championing this region and helping it reach its full potential.”

Lord Davies of Gower, Co-Chair of the Western Gateway APPG, said:

“In this part of the world we have a unique cross border economy with businesses based on both sides of the Severn and over 100,000 people a day commuting between England and Wales for work and leisure.

“I am pleased that the APPG will continue to promote this important region, and that we’ve been able to secure an engaging line up of events with some of the leading organisations from the region. Thank you to all of those who submitted events proposals, and congratulations to all the successful applicants.”

The APPG is pleased to announce that it will be hosting the following events as part of its 2025 work programme:

• 8 July 2025 – A roundtable discussion with Renewables UK Cymru, Hydrogen South West, Energy Innovation Centre West and Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult exploring the potential of renewable energy across the region.
• October 2025 – The Institute for Directors will host a dinner reception with the APPG and business community members from across the region to discuss how businesses can work with governments on both sides of the border to drive economic growth.
• December 2025 – GW4 Alliance and SetSquared will join members of the APPG for a roundtable discussion on supporting investment in the region’s innovation ecosystem. SetSquared will also look to host a series of follow-up events with the APPG showcasing successful university spin-outs from across the region.

This programme of events follows a roundtable held in March of this year, where representatives from Transport for Wales, National Trail and GWR discussed investments in rail infrastructure, following the publication of the Western Gateway’s Rail Deal.

Further information about the APPG’s work programme can be found on the Western Gateway website, or by following the APPG on X (formerly Twitter) @APPG_WG.