April 2012
This is the twenty-second monthly report from Elizabeth Truss MP updating residents on her activities.
Economy: In the Budget debate Elizabeth highlighted the importance of infrastructure projects in Norfolk. She met Employment Relations Minister, Norman Lamb to discuss reforms. Elizabeth hosted a meeting of the Free Enterprise Group with leading entrepreneurs. Elizabeth and members of the Brecks Partnership unveiled a new gateway sign on the A134 to promote it as a tourism destination.
Transport: Network Rail confirmed to Elizabeth that it will be going ahead with work on the level crossing at Downham Market. Elizabeth is extremely disappointed by the lack of consultation with local residents and will be calling on the Transport Minister to investigate this situation. Insufficient consideration has been given to the effect the closure will have on commuters and visitors to the area.
Education: Elizabeth held a Westminster Hall debate on the future of 16-18 mathematics education where she called for a subject premium to boost the numbers studying maths post-16. In Culture, Media and Sport Questions she asked Communications Minister, Ed Vaizey about steps to ensure young people have the skills to work in the digital economy.
Health: Elizabeth met the Chief Executive NHS Norfolk, Andrew Morgan, Nurse Director NHS Midlands and East, Dr Ruth May and patient representatives from Downham Market about the review into the failings at the Downham Market Health Centre. Dr May confirmed that the findings of the review will be used across the NHS Midlands and East for guidance in best practice. A further update on individual accountability will be provided in June.
Meetings and Events: Elizabeth met the following people and organisations: Baxter Healthcare, Engage Education, Norfolk Historic Building’s Trust, London Stock Exchange, British Airways, Ofsted, Reform, Wereham Parish Council, Northwold Primary School, Hockwold and Methwold Community School. She also attended the St Winnold Breakfast and the Downham Market RBL 90th Anniversary Parade.
Media: Elizabeth appeared on BBC 2’s “Daily Politics” and was interviewed for Radio 4’s “Today Programme” and “PM”, BBC Look East, Anglia TV, KL.FM and BBC Radio Norfolk on issues including the Budget and childcare. She has written for the Telegraph, the Guardian, the EDP, the Downham Market News, the Thetford and Brandon Times, the Swaffham and Watton Times the Welney News. Elizabeth has appeared in articles in the Telegraph, the Daily Mail, the Times, the Financial Times, the Guardian, the EDP, the Bury Free Press, the Lynn News, the East Anglia Daily Times, the Downham Market News, the Swaffham and Watton Times and the Thetford and Brandon Times on issues ranging from maths education to boosting tourism.
Upcoming Surgeries:
- 20 April (Swaffham) 4-6pm Surgery
- 11 May (Thetford) 4-6pm Surgery
- 15 June (Downham Market) 3.30-5.30pm 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
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