Chloe SmithMP for Norwich North
Chloe Smith
Three of East Anglia’s MPs will, on Tuesday 20th August, present the compelling economic case for strategic investment in the region’s rail network to the Secretary of State for Transport.
Chloe Smith (MP for Norwich North), Ben Gummer (MP for Ipswich) and Priti Patel (MP for Witham) will host a forum of leaders from the region’s business community to discuss the economic benefits that could flow from improvements to rail services.
East Anglia is one of only three regions in the UK that is a net contributor to the national economy. East Anglian businesses need improvements to the region’s rail services to drive local economic growth, attract inward investment in the region, and secure East Anglia’s future as a hub of Britain’s essential knowledge-based economy.
The MPs will put forward the strongest case that East Anglia should be seen as a strategic priority for capital investment in the UK’s transport network.
The Secretary of State for Transport, the Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin MP, will attend the forum and be available for a media call immediately afterwards.
Chloe Smith MP comments:
“There is a clear and powerful economic case for strategic investment in East Anglia’s rail network.
“We need a better service which businesses could rely upon to invest in our area. A better rail service will ultimately bring more jobs for people in East Anglia.”
Priti Patel MP said:
“This part of England is an economic success story full of dynamic and innovative wealth-creators supporting jobs and growth. But our economy is now being held back by outdated infrastructure.”
“It’s time our commuters and businesses received the investment needed so our rail services can support the region’s economic ambitions.”
Ben Gummer MP comments:
“I am delighted that the Secretary of State will be able to hear from business leaders of some our region’s most important companies about the necessity for decent rail infrastructure for our local economy.”