Latest from Westminster...

October 2018

It has been a busy month since we returned after the Party Conferences. In the run up to the Budget I have been working with the East of England All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) putting together a budget proposal to promote economic growth in the region - a region which often feels overlooked despite its important contribution to the UK economy.

East of England Debate

Following on the work of the APPG, I led a debate to promote the group's Budget submission which calls for investment in transport, infrastructure and the region's industrial strategy to unlock the economic potential of the region.

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The Future of Oil and Gas

Earlier in the month, I took part in a debate on the future of the oil and gas industries. I highlighted the importance of a stable fiscal regime to attract investment, the importance of safety to encourage people to work in the industry and finally the need for the industry to set out a clear deployment pathway for low carbon technologies such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage and offshore wind. If we can get all those right, then there is a great future for the industry.

Read my speech in the debate

Taking back control of our fishing

In Questions to the Department for Exiting the European Union, I sought assurances that in December 2020, the UK will negotiate fishing opportunities for 2021 as an independent coastal state. The implementation period is a real concern to the UK fishing community and it is a critical time as this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for us to regenerate the Lowestoft fishing industry. We must not let this transition drag any longer than already agreed.

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Prime Minister's Questions: Homelessness

I secured a question in Prime Minister’s Questions and took the opportunity to call on the PM to build on the rough-sleeping strategy and provide a long-term funding system so that charities can set up initiatives that prevent homelessness before anyone actually has to sleep rough.

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Guide Dogs campaign against pavement parking

Pavement parking is a growing problem in Waveney and it is clear further powers are needed to enable local authorities to tackle it effectively. It is vital that people with sight loss do not have to step out into the road to pass vehicles blocking the pavement and I urge Government to act on this issue.

Universal Credit - Managed Migration Phase

I spoke in a debate on Universal Credit and outlined the problems experienced with the full roll-out in Lowestoft and the significant challenges for local DWP staff. The Government needs to introduce managed migration gradually, learning and adapting as they go along.

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Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity can only be tackled if all agencies work together - whether in schools or by encouraging breastfeeding and the preparation of weaning foods, at every level it is essential we all work together. In Health Questions this month, I asked the Government to ensure that it works with clinical commissioning groups, medical centres and local councils to tackle the problem.

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Brainwave fundraiser

Delighted to join fundraisers and Erika Temple, Face of East Anglia in the Face of Europe and the World pageant recently. I congratulate them in raising just under £400 for the brain injury and disability charity Brainwave. 

Parliament Week 12-18 November

As Member of Parliament for Waveney I welcome the involvement of people in the area during UK Parliament Week 2018. It is important to ensure that our voters and citizens of tomorrow understand how vital their participation is in our democracy, and I’m excited to see so many schools, Girlguides, Scouts and local groups taking part.

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