This institute would be a collaboration between dedicated further education institutions like the University of Suffolk with a broad range of partners in industry – like BT based in Adastral Park.

With a focus on technical training, the institute of technology would prepare students with real world skills to take on high-paying jobs. The links to industry are invaluable – especially in creating curricula which are relevant to the profession and job market.

Thank you to Therese Coffey, MP for Suffolk Coastal, for co-signing the letter.

Today I visited Lighthouse Women’s Aid centre, a fantastic organisation which provides accommodation for women and children fleeing domestic abuse. Their advice centre helps 200 women every month.

Sadly, over lockdown we have seen a rise in cases of domestic abuse, as vulnerable individuals are less able to spend time outside the home. During this period, the work of organisations like Lighthouse Aid have become even more vital to those in need.

I think the proposed cover for Orwell Quay is better than the thick plastic shrinkwrap used on St Francis Tower, though the new material is still not ideal. It’s called “netting”, hardly. Residents are still understandably frustrated by delays, as well as the complexity of the issue.

I’m aware that there are further buildings within Orwell Quay which also require work on cladding but do not qualify for the Building Safety Fund due to the height restrictions, which is an issue I’m watching keenly.

Today I visited the Suffolk New College technology campus, which is one of 11 projects receiving a total of £25 million in funding from the government’s town regeneration fund.

Skills are an essential component of levelling up our region, and funding for state-of-the-art resources is designed to ensure local students have access to high quality technical routes – that’s why Suffolk New College is receiving almost £1 million of funding, to support provision of apprenticeships and technical further education.

As well as new equipment, funding is being dedicated to the Suffolk New College Ipswich site, which will house a net zero campus, a tribute to our prioritisation of sustainable development, opening in the new year and admitting students from September 2022. Hydrogen power will fuel learning at the Suffolk New College campus, with potential links to the first hydrogen powered freeport. Fostering the connection between further education and exciting technical opportunities, as will be created by Freeport East, is essential: I’m excited to see local people benefit from the host of skilled technical roles injected into the local economy.

This tech camp is the first of its kind locally, with a revolutionary digital focus which enables students to pursue relevant skills and higher education which links to exciting, technically skilled careers. It’s important that children have access to high quality technical education, and an awareness of such valuable routes, from a young age.

Suffolk New College is at the heart of creating pathways for local people – the involvement with Spirit Yachts to teach hands-on courses for 16-18 year olds and beyond provides scope to train the next generation of boat builders, who will be able to take full advantage of new job opportunities in the maritime industry. I’m proud to see the potential to increase upskilling for local people, which is an essential part of levelling up the entire community.

The school is engaging in some great methods to ensure SEND provision, with teachers offering support in afternoon intervention work to prioritise student progress. It’s heartening to see a school putting so much emphasis on positive impact.

There have been issues with speeding outside the school, which I’m sure many of the parents will share my concerns about – I am looking to make sure road security measures are established to remedy this.

Also met the school council and the student librarians, who are doing a great job!