Waveney MP, Peter Aldous, has commended the Queen's Speech for its 'ambition and direction of travel.'

Speaking in a recent House of Commons debate, Mr Aldous highlighted that the bills outlined in the Queen's Speech last month provided the framework for economic successes in Waveney.

Reflecting on how to build on the foundations for recovery and growth that were laid down in the last Parliament, Mr Aldous argued for an East Anglian powerhouse, stating it was vital that areas like Waveney have the same opportunity and access to the necessary funds for infrastructure projects.

Mr Aldous stressed that it was vital that infrastructure projects given funding in the last Parliament be delivered without delay. He emphasised that the preparatory work for upgrading the A47 should be carried out promptly, the opportunity presented by the rail franchise tender should be used to deliver better railways, with reliable, fast and comfortable trains that run on time, superfast broadband should be made available for all and the necessary studies for the Third Crossing in Lowestoft should get under way to secure the Government funding and get it built.

Mr Aldous also spoke about a closer working relationship between the Government and oil and gas sector, while he highlighted the opportunity for Lowestoft to be a centre of excellence for offshore renewables by building on the good work being done at Orbis, CEFAS and Lowestoft College. This can be achieved by the construction of the new process engineering centre at Lowestoft College and by Orbis' recent application for a regional offshore wind Catapult being successful. Mr Aldous said wind farms off the East Anglian coast should be built in the next five years.

He also spoke about the need for a fair share of quota for the Lowestoft inshore fishing fleet. Having long held the view that the existing quota allocation system is flawed, opaque and unfair, Mr Aldous has called for the system to be reformed during this Parliament so as to enable the many small businesses who work in the fishing industry to be able to properly plan and invest in their futures.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Aldous said: 'While I welcome the proposal's laid down in the Queen's Speech, there is much work to be done and it is vital that all legislation is subject to close Parliamentary scrutiny.

'The Waveney area has an important stake in the well-being of the British economy – we must mobilise all local resources and drive forward infrastructure schemes to ensure that they take place on time and on budget. There must be no 'No Go' areas. Tackling business rates and fishing quotas is difficult, but they are challenges that we must not shirk.'

Have you got a Lowestoft story? Email mark.boggis@archant.co.uk