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| Maria Eagle MP |
This week (Tuesday 3rd
September) I met with shadow Secretary of State for transport Maria Eagle MP
and Thurrock parliamentary candidate for Labour Polly Billington to discuss transport
infrastructure in our prospective constituencies including the Lower Thames
Crossing, airport options and the ports soon to be dominated by DP World in
East Thurrock.
While we wait to hear if the
Conservatives will be making a decision on the current options for the Lower
Thames Crossing this side of the next general election, Labour have committed
to an independent National Infrastructure Commission as proposed by Sir John
Armitt which would be appointed on a cross-party basis to identify and monitor our
long-term infrastructure needs.
I am confident that a Labour government
will get a strong grip on the needs of the area (and the country) regarding our
transport infrastructure and I will make sure that residents of South Basildon
& East Thurrock are treated with understanding and respect throughout the
process.
We have heard subsequently that the
Secretary of State for Transport has said that an extension to the consultation process would damage the area for
longer than necessary. This is of real concern as Labour feel that the scope of
the options in this current consultation is too narrow and a rush to make a
decision now could damage the lives of many residents across the Thurrock area
including Orsett village who would bear the brunt of a decision to commit to Option
C.
I will continue to work with and support all
groups involved in raising these issue at every level of government including the
Thames Action Group and the WELCOM Forum which are both doing a great job in supporting
residents in East Thurrock to speak up and make their views known prior to a decision being made that
would change the constituency for ever.
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