1 week Ago By [email protected] (Dave Burke)
Keir Starmer has branded the announcement of a Universal Studios theme park a "momentous day" - saying it's one of the few announcements his kids are interested in. He gave a glowing welcome to the project, which the Government says will create over 20,000 jobs, as he visited Bedford. The massive park will be the first Universal Studios in Europe when it opens in 2031, and is expected to draw millions of visitors each year.
Addressing students at a college close to the site, he joked: "People said to me that government will be a roller coaster, and I can testify to that., I don't think this is quite what they meant." He said 80% of the jobs created would go to people living nearby as he vowed work would start "very very quickly".
The Prime Minister said: "What a momentous day. What an important day. And it's not just the first one in the United Kingdom - that would be pretty good.
It's the first one across Europe. And that is really incredible., and it's going to put Bedford on the map for millions of people, film lovers, people coming here for fun, people building their careers here, it will create thousands of jobs for the local community.
" And the PM quipped: "As you can imagine, when I took over as Prime Minister, people warn you that they are tough days that you're going to face, you know, responsibility for the armed forces for fixing the NHS , sorting out the economy. "So, you could imagine that when someone comes and says, would you like to launch and open a theme park? That's a completely different day. " Nearly 20,000 jobs will be created during the six-year construction period, with a further 8,000 new jobs across the hospitality and creative industries when it opens in 2031.
The highly anticipated attraction is set to be the first of its kind on British soil, with a host of immersive experiences - from thrilling roller coasters to iconic movie-themed areas. Fans can expect to walk through landscapes inspired by Harry Potter , Jurassic Park, and other Universal blockbusters, all crammed into one action-packed destination. Be the first with news from Mirror Politics BLUESKY: Follow our Mirror Politics account on Bluesky here .
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