November 2011
This is the seventeenth monthly report from Elizabeth Truss MP updating residents on her activities.
Parliamentary activities: Elizabeth asked about measures to protect High Value Agricultural Land in Communities and Local Government questions. She called for a rigorous dual mathematics GCSE in Education questions. Elizabeth attended an Anti-Slavery Reception at Number 10 Downing Street. As part of the Justice Select Committee, Elizabeth investigated the use of joint enterprise in prosecuting crimes.
Agriculture and the Environment: Elizabeth and Henry Bellingham MP met Cory Wheelabrator to discuss the proposed Waste to Energy Plant at Saddlebow and represent the views expressed via the referendum. Environment Secretary, Caroline Spelman later announced that she was currently unwilling to approve PFI funding for the Waste to Energy Plant. Elizabeth organised a Norfolk Food Festival in Parliament. MPs and ministers, including the Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles, praised the Norfolk produce. She has written to DEFRA Minister Richard Benyon to ensure a ‘common sense approach’ is being applied to the interpretation of the Natural Habitats Directive.
Economy: Elizabeth spoke at the Swaffham Business Forum to discuss business issues including business rates and planning. She hosted a Free Enterprise lunch with leading economists Tim Harford and Alan Morrison at the Institute for Economic Affairs. Elizabeth spoke on ‘The Labour Market, Competition and the Eurozone’ at the Adam Smith Institute. She took part in a roundtable discussion with the Australian Leader of the Opposition, Tony Abbott. Elizabeth discussed ways to reform parental pay with Employment Minister, Ed Davey.
Education: Elizabeth organised a visit by the Education Secretary, Michael Gove to schools in Thetford and Methwold. This culminated in a meeting for local headteachers, who highlighted the challenges facing rural schools.
Transport: Elizabeth met Network Rail Director of Planning, Richard Eccles, with Steve Barclay MP and Henry Bellingham MP to examine future improvements for the Fen Line. She visited Brandon Station with Matt Hancock MP to help promote the regeneration of the station buildings.
Meetings and Events: Elizabeth met the following people and organisations: Former Australian Prime Minister John Howard, Murdo Fraser MSP, the Institute of Directors, Norfolk Probation Trust, Norwich City College, NHS Norfolk, Heart Radio and the Resolution Foundation. Elizabeth attended the following events: the opening of the Boughton Community Space, Denver Fireworks, dinner to welcome the new Station Commander to RAF Marham, the Parliamentary Trafalgar Day Reception, Downham Market Remembrance Service and Parade and the Thetford Remembrance Service.
Media: Elizabeth was interviewed for Radio 5’s Victoria Derbyshire Show, BBC Politics Show East, BBC Look East, Anglia TV, KL.FM, Heart FM and BBC Radio Norfolk on issues including RAF Marham and the Economy. She has written columns for the Telegraph, the Times, the Downham Market News, the Thetford and Brandon Times, the Swaffham and Watton Times, the Eagre News and Signpost Magazine. Elizabeth has appeared in articles in the Telegraph, the Times, the Guardian, the Sun, 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 education to the A11.
Upcoming Surgeries:
· 2 December (West Walton) 4-6pm Drop in Surgery
· 9 December (Thetford) 4-6pm Surgery
· 13 January (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
IP24 3AG
Best wishes,
Elizabeth Truss MP
South West Norfolk