Local MP disappointed Universal plans not mentioned at Government’s International Investment Summit

North Bedfordshire MP, Richard Fuller has written to the chancellor to express disappointment that an update about the plans for a Universal Studios theme park near Bedford was not announced at the recent International Investment Summit.

The summit, held on 14 October, aimed to attract international investment in the UK. The Government said it ended up attracting £63 billion of investment, which could create 38,000 jobs. Yet, there was no mention of the ‘Universal UK’ project or when a decision might be made.

In his letter to Rachel Reeves (Labour), Mr Fuller wrote, ‘I am writing to express my surprise and disappointment that the recent International Investment Summit did not include an announcement about the Universal Studios theme park project in Bedfordshire.

‘This initiative has garnered substantial local support from residents, the Local Authority, and all Bedfordshire Members of Parliament, including me.’

Mr Fuller also pointed out that while the general election delayed some part of the process, a decision prior to 4 July was close to the line and that we “need the uncertainty to end”.

‘A decision on this project appeared imminent prior to the July general election. I would appreciate clarification about this project, and I would be grateful if you could provide an update on the status of the investment and when we might expect a definitive decision,’ he wrote.

As of today, the Chancellor has not yet responded to Mr Fuller, which his office has said it “not unusual” but they are “sure she’ll respond soon”.

A universal theme park being built in Kempston Hardwick, just outside Bedford, has been a topic of discussion across the Borough since the Bedford Independent exclusively confirmed the news of the plans last December.

Read: Universal Studios confirm they are planning a theme park in Bedford Borough

Since then, the CEOs and political leaders of all local councils in and around the area where the park will be built have given the Government their “unwavering support” for the project saying it would be transformative” for the region and the UK as a whole.

Read: Local council leaders unite and tell Prime Minister “we strongly support” Universal UK theme park plans

Several theme park fan groups, the largest being We Want Universal Studios In Bedfordshire, have also been created on social media with fans eagerly awaiting updates and predicting what could be at the park.

Universal Destinations and experiences have been approached for comment.