Norfolk and Suffolk MPs Meet Rail Bosses

17 May 2012, 00:00 | Updated: 17 May 2012, 13:34

MPs for Norfolk and Suffolk are holding a summit meeting this morning to push for better rail services in the region.

Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North, will  chair the meeting to discuss the ongoing work to improve rail services across East Anglia. 

Chloe will be joined in the meeting by other regional MPs like Liz Truss, Ben Gummer and George Freeman and representatives from Local Enterprise Partnerships, and Greater Anglia, Train Operating Companies and local authorities.

The agenda will include a detailed briefing on the technical and economic studies being carried out to make the strongest possible case for improvements to be made to the region’s rail network.

• Improved infrastructure
• Higher quality rolling stock
• Increased reliability
• Faster journey times

LEPs including New Anglia will present detailed information about the technical work being done in connection to an ‘East Anglian Rail Prospectus’ to be put to Ministers at the Department for Transport.

Ben Gummer MP interview with Neil Perry

Chloe Smith MP interview with Neil Perry

Chloe Smith MP for Norwich North (Norfolk) comments: 

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for a commitment to the long-term benefit of the East Anglian, Norfolk and Norwich economies.

 “This summit is a working session to present emerging work. It is part of a much longer sequence including vital political lobbying for our area. We have a passionate, unified campaign emerging which makes simple, right demands.”

 Elizabeth Truss MP, MP for South West Norfolk said ahead of the meeting:

 “Last week I met the Secretary of State for Transport to discuss the Ely North Junction upgrade which will create significant opportunities for the Fen Line and Cambridge to Norwich Line. Justine Greening said she wanted to see spending evened out across the country. For years, East Anglia has suffered from a lack of investment in infrastructure. I believe that the combined efforts of MPs, LEPs, Councils and business will make the case for our fair share to drive growth.”

 George Freeman MP for Mid-Norfolk comments:

 “For too long Norfolk has been neglected in Government infrastructure investment. Good communications are vital to our having local prosperity and vibrant communities. We will never build a 21^st Century economy on 19^th Century infrastructure.  The Norwich - Cambridge link - the 'Innovation Line' - will help attract inward investment to the exciting new businesses and jobs being created at the NRP and Hethel Engineering Centre, and ease risk of traffic congestion from the new homes in Wymondham, Attleborough and Thetford.”

 Ben Gummer MP for Ipswich (Suffolk) said:

 “Sorting out our railways is critical to providing the growth that we need, most of all for those on the lowest incomes and with the least opportunities.”