Harold Wilson famously said “a week is a long time in politics”. What I have learned, is that a year is a very short time in the busy life of a backbench Member of Parliament. Next week marks a year since my election and with twelve months already passed, I look towards the events that will follow this year, which could alter our politics for generations to come.
The forthcoming European Union (EU) referendum is arguably the single biggest event to take place in recent political history. With all eyes watching the United Kingdom on 23rd June, this referendum, whatever the outcome, will redefine the relationships between the UK and the EU. I for one will be voting to remain, not for a blind love of the EU but, due to a pragmatism over the areas I believe are important in our world; namely trade, security and influence. Nevertheless, this referendum allows the single vote of each person to carry equal weight. That is why, with just six weeks to go before the country goes to the polls, now is the time to make sure you are registered to vote by 7th June, to have your say.
Whilst the EU referendum debate enters the final stages, the Eastern region itself must address the future of its own political make-up, through a devolution package. Just last week I, along with many other MPs from the region, held a debate to discuss our concerns and hopes for a final settlement. The right devolution package has the potential to deliver significant benefits to Suffolk and the entire region through investment, particularly in our roads and local enterprise. What is more, the plans can deliver greater autonomy to local authorities over the allocation and use of land space for housing; balancing the needs and interests of rural areas like ours, to provide affordable housing whilst protecting our signature green spaces. However, the deal as it stands is ambiguous and not enough is yet known about how devolution will unfold and who it will involve. We must put meat on the bones of the deal to see whether it stacks up for our constituents.
And for constituents across the region, the fight to deliver a twenty first century rail services is one which could vastly change the quality for commuters and local residents, for the better. Whilst we await the announcement later this year of the East Anglia rail franchisee, it is important we do not lose momentum in the bid to deliver essential improvements to the rolling stock, the stations and the service. That is why I will be hosting a Rail Roundtable this month to call together representatives from the Department of Transport and National Rail to assess the feasibility of delivering an East Anglia rail network we desperately need.
The decisions to be taken regionally and nationally will impact on the future of our region and I am excited to ensure these decisions deliver the best for Suffolk and East Anglia.
If you aren’t already registered to vote follow this link and register by 7th June if you want to vote in the EU referendum on 23rd June https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
Published in the EADT