On Wednesday 27th April, Jo Churchill MP discussed proposals to deliver devolution to East Anglia during a Westminster Hall debate regarding the devolution package. The debate brought forward by Stewart Jackson, Member of Parliament for Peterborough attracted MPs representing the eastern region and called on James Wharton, Minister for Local Growth and the Northern Powerhouse to respond to the debate. Speaking in the debate, Mrs Churchill raised the benefits of the devolution package to unlock the potential of the region as a whole, particularly through measures to promote local businesses such as growth hubs and the extension of enterprise zones. Assessing the progress of the local discussion between local leaders, Mrs Churchill cited a “positive meeting of leaders from across the region…starting to build that shared vision”. Nevertheless, Mrs Churchill urged caution for the proposals as they stands stating “we must put meat on the bones of this deal to see whether it stacks up for people in our constituencies”. Calling for clarification from the Minister, Mrs Churchill stated, “I would like to know whether there is one deal for the combined area- Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire- or no deal. Speaking after the debate, Mrs Churchill said: “I am enthused by the prospects of what a devolved East Anglia can deliver. I firmly believe our region is one of the best places in the world to live, work and learn. It has the power, through some of its key components, to act on a world stage whilst being able to deliver on a very local level. The right deal can unlock the potential of a region still yet to be explored. However I still believe more needs to be known about this deal before we can really develop the potential for devolution in our region.” Jo Churchill MP speaks in Devolution (East Anglia) Westminster Hall debate https://goo.gl/Y9nSn4
