MP for Waveney Peter Aldous last week commended the Queen’s Speech for its ambition and direction of travel. Speaking in the House of Commons, Peter highlighted that the Bills outlined in the Queen's Speech last week provided the framework for economic successes in Waveney. Reflecting on how to build on the foundations for recovery and growth that were laid down in the last Parliament, he argued for:-

 

1.       An East Anglian Powerhouse

Whilst supportive of the ambition and determination to create a northern powerhouse, Peter said it was vital that areas such as Waveney have the same opportunity and access to the necessary funds for infrastructure projects. He welcomes the Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill as a means to get rid of the top-down system governed by the “Man in Whitehall”.

 

2.       Infrastructure projects given funding in the last Parliament to be delivered without delay

Peter emphasised that: the preparatory work for upgrading the A47 should be carried out promptly; the opportunity presented by the rail franchise tender should be used to deliver better railways, reliable, fast and comfortable trains that run on time; superfast broadband to be made available for all;  and the necessary studies for the Third Crossing project in Lowestoft should get underway to secure the Government funding and get it built.

 

3.       A closer working relationship between the Government and oil and gas sector

Amidst the challenging economic backdrop of significantly lower crude oil prices, Peter is calling for calling for close collaboration between the Government and the industry. The proposal to establish an Oil and Gas Authority is welcome and Sir Ian Wood's recommendations for the reform of the industry's regulatory systems should take place without delay. His proposals for the southern North Sea with its still significant gas reserves are particularly important, not only for the East Anglian economy, but also the nation's energy security.

 

4.       Wind farms off the East Anglian coast should be built in the next 5 years

Peter highlighted the opportunity for Lowestoft to be a centre of excellence for offshore renewables by building on the good work being done at Orbis, CEFAS and Lowestoft College. This can be achieved by the construction of the new process engineering centre at Lowestoft College and by Orbis' recent application for a regional offshore wind Catapult being successful.

 

5.       Fair share of quota for the Lowestoft inshore fishing fleet.

Peter has long held the view that the existing quota allocation system is flawed, opaque and unfair and called for the system to be reformed during this Parliament so as to enable the many small businesses who work in the fishing industry to be able to properly plan and invest in their futures.

 

Commenting, Peter said:

“ Whilst I welcome the proposal's laid down in the Queen's Speech, there is much work to be done and it is vital that all legislation is subject to close Parliamentary scrutiny. The Waveney area has an important stake in the well-being of the British economy - we must mobilise all local resources and drive forward infrastructure schemes to ensure that they take place on time and on budget. There must be no 'No Go' areas. Tackling business rates and fishing quotas is difficult, but they are challenges that we must not shirk.”

 

(Parliamentary copyright images are reproduced with the permission of Parliament, Photography by Roger Harris).