July 2011
This is the fourteenth monthly report from Elizabeth Truss MP updating residents on her activities.
Defence: Defence Secretary, Liam Fox, confirmed in a statement to the House of Commons that RAF Marham is to remain the home of the UK’s Tornado fleet. During his statement Elizabeth highlighted the support from across Norfolk for retaining RAF Marham.
Justice: During a statement on reforms to the Legal Aid budget Elizabeth called attention to the high cost of administering the budget. In Justice Questions she asked Nick Herbert, Minister for Criminal Justice, about increasing use of modern technology in courts. As part of the Justice Select Committee Elizabeth investigated the effectiveness of the family court system and continued work on the probation inquiry. She was appointed to the committee scrutinising the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill.
Economy: In Treasury questions Elizabeth asked about the impact of deficit reduction on inflation. She debated the future of taxation reform and public spending at the Institute for Economic Affairs. In the debate on the Public Bodies Bill Elizabeth called for increased accountability and reductions in bureaucracy. Elizabeth also hosted a Business Forum in Downham Market to discuss the concerns of local businesses.
Education: Elizabeth was a panellist at Policy Exchange’s debate “Where next on University Places?” where she argued for an end to capping the number of places at universities. She chaired a debate on the future of the primary curriculum at the Westminster Education Forum. Elizabeth asked David Willets, Minister for Universities, about the impact of the Government’s university reforms on the number of students studying maths and science at A-level. She met the headteacher and the chairman of the governors of Swaffham Hamond’s High School to discuss future A-level provision.
Transport: In Transport Questions Elizabeth pressed Rail Minister, Theresa Villiers, about the economic benefits of upgrading the Fen Line. She hosted a meeting between the Greater Cambridge and Greater Peterborough LEP, Network Rail, local councils and MPs to examine future improvements for the Fen Line. Elizabeth, Downham Market Town Council and Network Rail discussed the future of the barrow crossing at Downham Market.
Meetings: Elizabeth met following people and organisations: High Sherriff of Norfolk, Mrs Georgina Holloway, Countryside Alliance, Heygates Farm, Norfolk Police Federation, Norfolk Churches Trust, the Federation of Small Businesses, Vireol, Eaga, Thompsons Solicitors, Breckland Park School, Weeting Parish Council, Cockley Cley Parish Council, Kenninghall Parish Council, East Harling Parish Council and Methwold Parish Council.
Events: Elizabeth attended the Norfolk Show, the RAF Marham Freedom of the Borough Parade in King’s Lynn, the Mayor’s Civic Service in Thetford, the Desert Rats Memorial Service in Thetford Forest, the dedication of a memorial to the Far East Prisoners of War in Swaffham. She announced the winners of the Garboldisham Amateur Dramatic Society’s Norfolk One Act Play Write competition, spoke at the Sporle and District Royal British Legion 90th Anniversary Service of Celebration and opened the new Children’s Church Tower at the Berney Arms in Barton Bendish. Elizabeth attended the Buckingham Palace Summer Garden Party and the Downing Street Summer Reception.
Media: She was interviewed for Radio 4’s ‘You and Yours’, ‘Women’s Hour’ and ‘Today in Parliament’, BBC 2’s ‘The Politics Show – East’, Anglia TV, BBC Look East, KL.FM and BBC Radio Norfolk on issues including pension reform and changes to Legal Aid. She has written columns for the Downham Market News, the Thetford and Brandon Times, the Swaffham and Watton Times and the Signpost Magazine. Elizabeth has appeared in articles in the Spectator, the Sunday Times, the Financial Times, the Guardian, the EDP, the Bury Free Press, the Lynn News, the Downham Market News, the Swaffham and Watton Times, and the Thetford and Brandon Times on issues ranging from improvements to the Fen Line to RAF Marham.
Upcoming Surgeries:
· 9 September (Thetford) 4-6pm Surgery
· 28 September (Outwell) 4-5.30 pm Drop-in surgery
· 7 October (Downham Market) 4-6pm Surgery
Please contact Fiona Walker on elizabeth.truss.mp@parliament.uk or 01842 757345 to arrange an appointment.
If you would like to contact Elizabeth, please write to her at:
The Limes
Thetford
Norfolk
IP24 3AG