October 2011
This is the sixteenth monthly report from Elizabeth Truss MP updating residents on her activities.
Parliamentary activities: In the debate on Economic Growth Elizabeth called for steps to increase Britain’s international competitiveness. She hosted the official launch of the Free Enterprise Group of Conservative MPs. Elizabeth scrutinised the Government’s Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill as a member of the Bill Committee. Elizabeth pressed Defence Minister, Peter Luff, on basing the Joint Strike Fighter at RAF Marham.
Local issues: Elizabeth hosted a meeting between Natural England and local farmers on the implementation of the European Habitats Directive around Thetford. Elizabeth held a meeting between British Sugar, hauliers, NCC highways and Southery Parish Council about mitigating the impact of HGV traffic on the village. Elizabeth met Outwell parents about the safety of students crossing the A1101.
Health: In Business Questions Elizabeth called for individual accountability following the publication of NHS East of England’s report into failings at Downham Market Heath Centre. She visited the Terrington St John surgery to discuss the reopened surgery and responsibility for local health services.
Education: Elizabeth met Schools Minister, Nick Gibb, about A-level reform and increasing the involvement of universities. Elizabeth was a panellist at Policy Exchange’s debate “Is a return to academic selection in schools inevitable?” where she argued for increased academic rigour. Elizabeth visited the Thetford Academy and met the maths department.
Transport: Elizabeth met Department for Transport Rail Director, Nick Bisson, with Steve Baker MP to examine future improvements for the Fen Line. In the debate on Concessionary Bus Travel she highlighted the importance of integrating bus and rail services. Elizabeth met Norfolk County Council Cabinet Member for Transport, Cllr Graham Plant, and Head of Highways, Mike Jackson, about improving road infrastructure in South West Norfolk. Elizabeth called for the dualling of the A11 to be brought forward. The Department for Transport later announced that preliminary work on the A11 would start a year early.
Meetings and Events: Elizabeth met the following people and organisations: Anglia Water, British Sugar, Chief Executive NHS Norfolk, Andrew Morgan, Traditional Norfolk Poultry, Thetford Town Manager, Susan Glossop, Downham Market Young Farmers and local councillors in Outwell. Elizabeth attended the Stradsett Harvest Festival and opened the Hollies Health Centre in Downham Market.
Media: Elizabeth was interviewed for Newsnight, BBC News 24, Radio 5’s Pienaar’s Politics, Radio 4’s The Westminster Hour, BBC East, Anglia TV, KL.FM, Heart FM, BBC Radio Norfolk and Norwich 99.9 on issues including RAF Marham and the Economy. She has written columns for the Telegraph, Conservativehome, the EDP, the Downham Market News, the Thetford and Brandon Times and the Swaffham and Watton Times. Elizabeth has appeared in articles in the Telegraph, the Guardian, the Independent on Sunday, the Sunday Times, the Financial Times, City AM, 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 childcare to the A11.
Upcoming Surgeries:
· 11 November (Swaffham) 4-6pm Surgery
· 2 December (West Walton) 4-6pm Drop in Surgery
· 9 December (Thetford) 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 3A