UPDATE: North East Mayor Kim McGuinness faces mounting scrutiny over her recent trade mission to Japan, which cost taxpayers over £16,000. The trip, which took place from November 13 to 24, included meetings with major corporations like Hitachi and Nissan, but has raised questions from rival politicians about its value.
The North East Combined Authority (NECA) confirmed the breakdown of costs through a Freedom of Information request, revealing that flights for the mayor and two NECA officers totaled £9,536, while hotel accommodations amounted to £6,025. Additional expenses included £245 for transport, £300 for a translator, and £123 for food and drink.
During her time in Tokyo, McGuinness announced the signing of two Memorandum of Understanding agreements with Hitachi, focusing on initiatives for zero-emission buses and a proposed e-fuels hub at the Port of Tyne. “I’m proud to go out there and find the jobs and investment we need,” McGuinness stated, emphasizing the importance of actively promoting the North East to global firms.
Despite her defense, critics have labeled the trip as a waste of resources. Andrew Husband, leader of Reform UK in Durham County Council, stated that the meeting with NSK, an automotive supplier that recently announced plans to close its Peterlee production site, yielded “absolutely nothing.” He expressed doubts about the impact of McGuinness’s efforts on local jobs, citing ongoing challenges with bus franchising promises that remain unaddressed by NECA.
Greg Stone, a Newcastle Lib Dem councillor, acknowledged the significance of engaging with international investors but questioned whether the costs of the trip would translate into tangible benefits for the region. “The key question is whether the outlay on her publicly funded expedition is matched by actual benefits,” he remarked, highlighting the need for accountability.
In response to the backlash, McGuinness asserted that her proactive approach is essential for the North East, stating, “This is the choice the North East has – a mayor who will go out there and bring back jobs, or politicians who undermine investment.” She emphasized the necessity of competing with other regions actively seeking to attract business.
As the North East grapples with economic challenges, the outcomes of this trade visit will be closely monitored. McGuinness indicated that more trade missions are planned, aiming to forge additional partnerships that could lead to job creation and investment in the area.
With the debate surrounding the effectiveness of the trip ongoing, residents and stakeholders will be watching to see how these agreements materialize into real benefits for the North East economy.
