Stephen Metcalfe MP rose on
the floor of the House of Commons yesterday to highlight the billions of pounds
worth of investment flowing into South Basildon and East Thurrock and to ask
the Chancellor if he agreed that this shows that the Government’s long term
economic plan is working.
In the local area alone,
£1.5billion is being invested in London Gateway, £500 million is on the table
for a new power station, £180 million is being ploughed into Lakeside, and the
regeneration of Basildon town centre is about to begin. All bring jobs and
growth to South Basildon, East Thurrock and the wider area and are clear signs
that the economy is heading in the right direction.
The Chancellor, George
Osborne, congratulated the local MP on the work he has done to bring the
investment to his constituency, and to create jobs and opportunities for his
constituents.
Mr Osborne stated:
“It is important for us to send a message to the
world that we are open for business and open to investment, and because we are
doing that, we are now a go-to destination for world investment. Can my hon.
Friend imagine the impact on jobs and investment in his constituency if we
adopted the Labour party’s approach?”
Mr
Metcalfe commented: “I am delighted that so many investors are choosing South
Basildon and East Thurrock and the wider South Essex area. It will bring more
jobs and growth to the local area and this can only be a good thing.”
Recent
statistics show that unemployment has already fallen by 20% in South Basildon
and East Thurrock since December 2012. Nationwide, growth forecasts have been
raised by the IMF which now expects the UK economy to grow 2.4% this year –
faster than any other major European economy.
“Our
economy is on the up, growth is rising, and unemployment is falling – clear
signs that our long-term economic plan is working. It is vital that we stick to
this plan to ensure that this growth is sustained for the benefit of all those
living and working in South Basildon and East Thurrock.”
