Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has hailed plans for a new Universal theme park in Bedfordshire, set to create 28,000 jobs and attract 8.5 million tourists to the UK annually.
The major development represents "one of the biggest investments into the UK for decades," Nandy declared.
Speaking to GB News, she highlighted the significant economic impact the theme park will have on the local area and broader UK economy.
The project, backed by Comcast, will be Universal's first theme park in Europe and is expected to become one of the largest visitor destinations across the continent.
Lisa Nandy has hailed the announcement of a Universal theme park in Bedfordshire, declaring it is a 'game-changer'
GB News / Universal Orlando
Nandy emphasised the scale of private investment flowing into the project from Comcast and Universal.
"It's a huge vote of confidence in the United Kingdom, and we're really delighted to be able to announce that," she told GB News.
The Culture Secretary highlighted that 80 per cent of the 28,000 jobs created will come from the local area.
Local authorities and MPs are "firmly behind this project" according to Nandy, with the development enjoying "huge support in the local area."
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The site, a former brickworks, will feature attractions likely based on Universal's popular franchisesUNIVERSALThe Government played a key role in securing the deal by addressing barriers to investment, Nandy explained.
"We've been talking to partners, business partners like Comcast and others, about the work that we're doing, speeding up the planning system, speeding up government decision-making, getting rid of the barriers that stop great companies investing in the United Kingdom," she said.
"We have committed to improving the transport infrastructure in the area. That's good for local people, but it's also great for the UK economy as a whole," Nandy added.
The Culture Secretary stressed that the project goes beyond economic statistics: "This isn't just about numbers on the spreadsheet, it's about jobs. It's about young people having opportunities they wouldn't have otherwise."
Nandy told GB News that the project is a 'vote in confidence' for Britain
GB News
Nandy highlighted Britain's creative industry strengths as a key factor in attracting the investment.
"The company is excited to be investing in Britain, not just because we're a good place to do business and a stable place, but because we're great at this stuff, whether it's James Bond, Harry Potter, you name it," she said.
Nandy compared the project to historic developments like the British Museum, describing it as "game-changing for the British economy."
"You've seen all the turmoil going on across the globe, but this is the moment where we are keeping our cool heads," the Labour MP stated.
She emphasised the Government's international business strategy is yielding results: "We're working with businesses all over the world, and we're making sure that British people are feeling the benefit."
