On Monday, James Duddridge MP asked about the government’s plans for regional growth in South Essex to the Minister for Local Growth Jake Berry, in the first Oral Questions for the newly named Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
James visited and attended a meeting at London Southend Airport on Friday 19th with Sir John Armitt, Sir Stuart Lipton and Southend Airport Team. James was delighted to see the newly opened Jet setting but most importantly he was impressed with the progress of the airport’s expansion. Whilst there, James spoke to Sir John Armitt about the government’s plans for investing in Essex. Sir John is the chair of the Thames Estuary 2050 Growth Commission, which aims to ensure people in the Thames Estuary area, including South Essex, are able to access high quality housing, good infrastructure and that general productivity is boosted.
James therefore decided to ask about how the Government would ensure that Essex continued to be supported by central government.
James submitted the question:
“What steps are the Government taking to ensure that the Thames Estuary 2050 Growth Commission takes account the needs of South Essex?”
Minister Berry responded:
“Under Sir John Armitt’s leadership, the commission is engaging with all interested parties, including on last Friday’s visit to Southend Airport, which I understand my honourable friend also attended. The Thames Estuary Commission is developing an ambitious vision for South Essex and North Kent and East London and will publish its final report in spring of this year.
James then asked:
“London Southend Airport as we like to refer to it is going to make a major impact to the commission. What role could he see London Southend Airport playing to boost growth but also to boost productivity across the whole of South Essex.”
Minister Berry replied:
“I also like to refer to it as London Southend Airport. I think it’s is correct title and it’s a real success story. It has great potential for growth. It has an ambitious 2 million passenger target this year. Stobart Group has already invested £162 million in a new terminal. That puts London Southend Airport at the heart of the Thames Estuary Commission’s growth plan.”
James remains a strong supporter of the continued growth project at Southend Airport, and he has tirelessly lobbied for its interests. The development of London Southend Airport and surrounding area is projected to bring with it approximately 7,380 new jobs.