Statement on Conservative Resignations
It’s regrettable that Heidi Allen, Sarah Wollaston and Anna Soubry felt it necessary to resign from the Conservative Party this morning. They all stood on a Conservative manifesto that had at its heart a strong desire to ensure that the result of the EU referendum is respected and delivered upon. Clearly all three had trouble sticking to this pledge.
My monthly column in Ipswich Flyer
Last week I visited several areas of Ipswich that have witnessed significant levels of crime related activity over the past few years. I wanted to learn more, talk to residents and gain a greater understanding as to what needs to be done to turn the situation around and ensure that crime rates are falling, not increasing.
Fascinating tour of ABP Port of Ipswich
Fascinating tour of ABP Port of Ipswich this afternoon with Paul Ager and Andy Constable. Easy to forget its huge importance with the Port of Felixstowe on its door step but it employs over 1,000 people and is the number one grain exporter in the country. Long discussion about the future of the island site and the huge potential it holds for Ipswich.
Visit to the Maltings on Princes Street
Good to get the hard hat on again this afternoon in Ipswich. At the Maltings on Princes Street with Mark Pertwee and Vanessa Penn. A pretty wild night club back in the day by the sounds of things but has been sitting empty for 10 years.
New first class office accommodation (approx 24,000 sq ft) should be ready this May. Up to 300 employees could be based there. The Maltings is one of the first buildings you see when you leave Ipswich train station so this is a big positive. Will open at around the same time as the first Winerack apartments become available. Things are really happening!
Tom Hunt calls on Government to ensure tougher sentencing for knife crime
Conservative Parliamentary candidate Tom Hunt has today called on the Government to ensure that sentencing for serious knife crime is toughened up. Tom Hunt’s comments come following a meeting with representatives from Ipswich Against Gangs and Stop the Killing of Our Youth.
A view from The Winerack
Not a bad view for whoever the owner of this apartment ends up being. Not long until the first Winerack properties are available for sale. Enjoyed being given a tour of the site earlier today.
My Visit to Suffolk New College
I visited Suffolk New College this morning to meet the leadership team. Couldn’t be more supportive of what they’re doing. Got a very ambitious agenda to expand the number of apprentices and are there is also a clear focus on the skills needs of the Greater Ipswich area.
Promoting a Northern Route
I was glad to be able to have a brief conversation with the Secretary of State for Transport earlier this week in Parliament about some of the transport priorities facing Ipswich.