MPs across Norfolk have thrown their support behind our manifesto, Supercharge East, which calls on the government to do better for businesses in our region.
The campaign, which will run from now until the general election, is urging the future leader of the UK to empower businesses in Norfolk and Suffolk to realise their potential.
Focusing on four key areas, it aims to finally get those in charge to address the many obstacles to success we face in this region.
'REGION HAS BEEN NEGLECTED FOR DECADES'
George Freeman, MP for Mid Norfolk, said: "Having been born and lived my life here in Norfolk and in East Anglia I've watched this region be neglected for decades by Whitehall and treated as a rural backwater.
"Having founded and run my own business here in the East that was my main motivation for standing as local MP - to improve the connectivity, prosperity and opportunities in our area.
"That’s why since 2010 I’ve focused so much on the Norfolk Innovation Economy - helping secure funding for the Norwich Research Park, the A47 and A11 dualling , rural broadband - now at 92pc coverage in mid Norfolk - and the upgrade of the Norwich-Cambridge railway.
"We have come a long way but still have a long way to go. That’s why I’m helping lead the Eastern Powerhouse project and am delighted to work with the EDP Supercharge East campaign.
"History shows we make progress when we work together with one voice.”
'A CRUCIAL ROLE IN THE UK'S ECONOMY'
Duncan Baker, MP for North Norfolk said: “I am very pleased to support the Supercharge East manifesto. The four key areas of this manifesto: Connectivity, Economy, Resilience and Sustainability are all areas in which I have personally invested a lot of time to see improvements for North Norfolk.
“North Norfolk plays a crucial role in the UK's economy not only in agriculture, but also tourism and importantly we have a vital role in the UK’s energy security.
“I am incredibly proud that North Norfolk is home to Bacton gas terminal, which supplies up to one third of the UK’s gas supply and my campaign to transition this into a green hydrogen hub for the future.
“I think it is fantastic that the Supercharge East manifesto brings attention to the pivotal role that our region plays in these fields.
“I look forward to continuing work in improving the key areas of the manifesto commitments of Supercharge East.”
'ATTRACT INVESTMENT'
James Wild, MP for North West Norfolk, said: “The East of England is a driver of growth and by working with other Conservative MPs our area is benefiting from major investments to boost connectivity, skills, and jobs.
“There’s more we can do to unlock the potential in North West Norfolk and beyond whether in agritech, tourism, hi-tech manufacturing, clean energy, healthcare, or other sectors so I welcome this campaign and proposals to help supercharge our economy.
“I’ll continue working with businesses and others to promote our area and attract investment to create more opportunities.”
'HUGE UNTAPPED POTENTIAL'
David Thomas, the Conservative’s prospective parliamentary candidate for Norwich South, said: "Norwich and the surrounding area has huge untapped potential, and I welcome the EDP’s effort to unleash this.
“We need to build more houses, create better transport links, and join up education and the economy.
“Conservative governments have made huge strides on these issues, not least with England rapidly rising up the international rankings for education. But there is more to do, and we are committed to doing it.”
'BRILLIANT LOCAL BUSINESSES'
South West Norfolk MP Liz Truss said: “The EDP is right to focus on the needs of local businesses as they provide the lifeblood of our economy and I'm doing all I can to support the brilliant local businesses in South West Norfolk.
“The Supercharge East manifesto is in line with the ambitions shared for the county by Norfolk’s Conservative MPs, so I welcome many of the proposals, not least the need for improvements to local infrastructure, including better transport links and faster broadband. “The government should also be helping businesses by reducing the tax burden they face and scrapping unnecessary regulations and red tape.”
'I WELCOME MANY OF THE PROPOSALS'
Brandon Lewis, MP for Great Yarmouth, said: “The Supercharge East manifesto is broadly in line with the ambitions shared for the county by Norfolk’s Conservative MPs, so I welcome many of the proposals, not least the need for improvements to local infrastructure, including better transport links and faster broadband.
“The government should also be looking at how to help businesses by reducing the tax burden they face and scrapping the unnecessary regulations and red tape that stifle productivity and impede growth.”
'I WELCOME THE MANIFESTO'
Broadland MP Jerome Mayhew said: "I welcome the EDPs Supercharge East manifesto which sets out its vision for Norfolk and, in particular, their unequivocal support for improved connectivity and new infrastructure.
"I've held mobile operators to account on not-spots in Broadland and have worked to deliver the Norwich Orbital Route with the new Western Link Road, the dualling of the A47, and the improvement of the rail service between Norwich and Cambridge with the Ely upgrade.
Supercharge East is brought to you in association with the Eastern Daily Press and Greater Anglia.
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