Portsmouth council leader says Middle East investment would be good for the city

The city council Tory leader made the comments after The News revealed Portsmouth South MP Flick Drummond had led talks with influential business figures in the United Arab Emirates – discussions which could see millions pumped into the area.

Speaking to The News in the wake of the talks, Cllr Jones said she welcomed Mrs Drummond’s efforts.

‘As the leader of Portsmouth I have a clear vision for the city and how it needs to grow, regenerate and expand,’ she added.

‘My desire to have a five-star hotel in Portsmouth is something that I have held since I first became council leader two years ago.

‘It’s great to have an MP like Flick Drummond who is helping to try to achieve the vision that we have for improving Portsmouth.

‘We have a number of five-star hotel investors already interested in the city but any investment from overseas including the UAE would always be welcome.’

The hope is that the talk will lead to investors stumping up cash to pay for Portsmouth’s first five-start hotel and fund the Northern Quarter scheme.