North Norfolk Coastal Visit
Coastal erosion has been a huge challenge for the East of England for thousands of years. But, thanks to climate change, the pace is accelerating and the situation is now urgent. That is why, in January this year, I paid a visit to the North Norfolk coast to see for myself the effects that coastal erosion is having on the popular tourist destinations of Overstrand and Happisburgh.
Seeing these communities first hand has really helped clarify for me the difficulties currently faced by individuals as well as the longer-term issues that exist. I am doing all I can to find ways to help these communities address and adapt to the threats posed by coastal erosion and rising sea levels. These challenges, and others facing communities along our coast, will form a crucial part of the work being done by local and regional bodies.
Regional Water Partnership
The East of England is one of the driest areas in Great Britain and, if we are to sustain our ambitious growth plans, we have to ensure that we have sufficient water to meet the rise in demand. That is why, in March this year I launched the new Regional Water Partnership at Grafham Water in Cambridgeshire.
The partnership, which is the first joint programme of its kind in the country, aims to ensure that the region's water resources are managed effectively and efficiently.
I found the tour of Anglian Water's Treatment Works at Grafham fascinating. When we turn on our kitchen taps few of us realise all the work and technology behind the water that flows so freely into our sinks and kettles. Good water infrastructure plays a vital role in ensuring that we all have enough of this essential resource. All the major water companies of the Region are involved in the Partnership and all are committed to working together to ensure that we maintain and our supply.
Skills Pledge Relay Race
Our region has one of the strongest and fastest growing economies in the United Kingdom. But, unfortunately, it suffers from a low skills base and low productivity, both of which could challenge the sustainability of our impressive gains.
That is why I was pleased to launch the Skills Pledge Relay Race at a recent conference in Thurrock, Essex, where local businesses and local authorities publicly pledged their commitment to employee training and increasing skills of the region. However, we still need many more organisations to follow this example if we are to equip the East of England with the skills it needs to compete in today's global markets.
Felixstowe Coastal Visit
In June 2008 I visited the £10 million coastal defence works underway at Felixstowe to protect 1,600 homes and businesses. During my visit I listened to the concerns of locals about the Government's plans for the rest of the Suffolk coastline. Rising sea levels and the effects of climate change mean that the Suffolk coastline is becoming increasingly vulnerable to erosion and flooding.
The Government, its agencies, local councils and local residents must work together to tackle these threats to our coastline and low-lying communities.
Language Strategy for Migrant Workers
Migrant workers, particularly those from Eastern Europe, have helped to underpin economic growth in the region. It is, therefore, vital that we continue to help those who have helped us to prosper, and do all that we can to provide cohesion in our communities.
That is why I was pleased to launch in May 2008 the regional English Language Strategy for Migrant Workers, in Peterborough. This scheme, led by the East of England Development Agency, addresses one of the key barriers facing workers from overseas in the East of England - that of good English language skills.
This strategy will benefit our economy, our communities and the individuals concerned. Communication is the key to getting the best out of everyone and ensuring a cohesive, productive and healthy society.
I am proud that the East of England is providing such a practical and positive response to the opportunities and challenges raised by migration.
Having your say on the Government's legislative plans
In July 2008, I was honoured to host an event at the Government Office for the East of England, in Cambridge, at which I asked local stakeholders their views on the Government's draft legislative programme. Representatives from local businesses, councils and the community all turned out to have their say.
The event focused on the themes of Improving Public Services and Handing Power Back to the People. Cambridgeshire Police were invited to talk about their 'Speedwatch' scheme, which has been successful in getting people in East Cambridgeshire actively involved in speed-checking vehicles travelling through their neighbourhoods.
I found this meeting very useful indeed and I urge people in the East of England to make sure they speak up and have their say. The Government is very keen to see that its proposals reflect, as much as possible, what the people of the region want and need. That is why this kind of feedback is so vital.
