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Suffolk Chamber of Commerce welcomes Labour’s agenda as laid out in King’s Speech




Suffolk’s largest business support and lobby group has welcomed Labour’s new legislative agenda.

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce said it was broadly appreciative of the plans laid out in this morning’s King’s Speech.

The package features 40 pieces of proposed legislation and was the first under a Labour Government for 14 years, detailing plans to give local leaders more power, support workers’ rights and secure investment in the UK.

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce has welcomed Labour’s plans. Picture: Suffolk Chamber of Commerce
Suffolk Chamber of Commerce has welcomed Labour’s plans. Picture: Suffolk Chamber of Commerce

Full details on Labour’s agenda can be found here.

Paul Simon, the chamber’s head of public affairs and strategic communications, said the plans appeared to be an early and strategic confirmation of what businesses are looking for.

He described it as a long-term plan, backed by a clear role for the Government in allowing the private sector to generate wealth and employment.

Mr Simon said: “Whilst we will look for more detail in the days ahead, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce is broadly appreciative of those pieces of legislation in the King’s Speech that seek to enable stronger and more sustainable economic growth.”

Mr Simon highlighted the intention behind the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which seeks to simplify the approval process of critical infrastructure projects

He said the chamber welcomed it as long is it accelerated delivery of high-quality projects such as 4G and 5G connectivity, road improvements and the Ely and Haughley junctions rail scheme.

It could also boost housing and bus links to rural areas and allow for greater access to work, which could also lead to greater business investment and higher household incomes, he said.

The chamber also supported the English Devolution Bill.

“We believe that Suffolk has suffered for too long from the ‘Whitehall knows best’ philosophy, which has consistently resulted in unfair funding and missed opportunities,” Mr Simon said.

“However, we are concerned that any new powers will be limited to metro mayors and combined authorities - once again putting Suffolk at a disadvantage.”

However, these were not the only items on the agenda the chamber believed could be a boon to industry in Suffolk.

Mr Simon added: “For similar reasons, Suffolk Chamber likes the intent behind the Great British Energy Bill given our county and region’s enormous existing strengths in the renewables sector.

“Noting that the proposed company will be headquartered in Scotland, we think it vital that it also has a presence here in Suffolk to ensure the needs of existing and prospective energy companies are not overlooked and investment opportunities are maximised.”