Brief

Healey unveils £400 million industrial plan at Labour conference

The Chancellor pledged a new industrial agenda, including a £400 million package to boost British manufacturing and jobs.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 28 Sep 2026 20:37:53 GMT

At the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, Chancellor John Healey announced a £400 million package aimed at reindustrialising Britain. The plan includes a £100 million fund for local mayors to boost apprenticeships, a £300 million investment by Rolls‑Royce in British factories and new support for shipbuilding.

Healey said the reforms were both an "economic must" and a "moral duty" to return people to work. He added that the budget would focus on fiscal discipline to give families and businesses breathing space, while driving growth and jobs in more places.

"Let’s bring back hope to Britain for the next generation of young people, for a new age of industrialisation, for growth made here by British firms and British workers," he said in his speech.

Healey, who will deliver his first Budget next month, acknowledged that he does not have the same level of funding available as former Chancellor Gordon Brown. He stressed the need for responsible use of the money he does have, amid rising borrowing costs.

Key facts

Chancellor John Healey announced a £100 million fund for local mayors to boost apprenticeships (independent.co.uk)
He announced a £300 million investment by Rolls‑Royce in British factories (independent.co.uk)
He confirmed support for British shipbuilding (independent.co.uk)
Healey said the reforms were an "economic must" and a "moral duty" to get people back into work (independent.co.uk)
He pledged the budget would focus on fiscal discipline to give families and businesses breathing space (independent.co.uk)

Background

The announcement follows a broader push by the UK government to revive its industrial base, including support for shipyards, a marine research vessel and a new manufacturing park near Sheffield, as reported by Felo News on 27 September.