A message from Barbara Follett MP, Regional Minister for the East of England.
"I feel very honoured and excited about my role as Regional Minister for the East of England, particularly at this time when the region faces both challenge and opportunity on a number of different agendas.
I am committed to championing your needs and interests in Parliament and across Whitehall, and to working with regional and local partners to ensure this region achieves the bright future, for all its residents, that the East of England deserves.
This region has some unique qualities and fantastic opportunities: from the World famous research centres and universities, and business excellence in sectors such as information technology, to bustling cities of retail and leisure outlets; from cutting edge agricultural development to some of the most beautiful scenery and quiet corners of the country; amazing historic features and architecture to cutting edge design and innovation. Rural and urban, coastal and land-locked, young and old, our region, and our people have a richness and diversity which I am truly proud to represent, and to be a part of.
But the region also faces challenges: with pockets of deprivation and worklessness, pressures on public services, and issues with transport and infrastructure.
I have set out key priority areas where I want to really play my part in ensuring that the East of England is able to move forward and set the agenda. These are all about creating a region of communities that work for all their people now and in the future. They are:
I am also championing the region's preparations for the London 2012 Games.
You can click on the priorities above to find out more about these issues in the region, and my work in trying to deliver them. You can also find out about my work out and about in the region on these webpages, and of course get in touch with me through my regional office.
I hope you find these pages useful. Over the coming months I will continue to use it to keep you in touch with my work as your Regional Minister."
Barbara Follett
Latest News
Regional Minister launches Economic Strategy
(24 September)
Highest number of new schools opening for thirty years
(10 September 2008)
£10 million business support package to ensure continuing success of regional economy
(01 September 2008)
New Mountain Biking venue in Essex confirmed for the London 2012 Games
(14 August 2008)
Minister opens world class manufacturing training centre in Peterborough
(21 July 2008)
Groups in the East of England have their say on the Government's legislative plans
(14 July 2008)
Minister for the East of England visits Peterborough prison
(3 July 2008)
Regional sporting venues make the grade for pre-training paralympic athletes
(30 May 2008)
Draft Legislative Programme 2008-09
(14 May 2008)
'Region is living beyond its means’ warns Sustainability East
(14 May 2008)
Housing and Jobs boost for the East of England with the launch of the East of England Plan
(12 May 2008)
Regional Accountability
The Government believes that Regional Ministers should be accountable to Parliament. Both they and the Government's regional policy should be subject to formal and consistent parliamentary scrutiny.
It is for Parliament to decide how to take forward regional accountability. The Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons has been considering this issue and produced their report on 10 July 2008. The Government response was published on 21 July 2008. The Parliamentary debate and vote on the proposed new arrangements is not expected until October.
