Stephen Metcalfe rose on the floor of the House of Commons
last Friday to champion the interests of people in South Basildon and East
Thurrock in a debate on the Queen’s Speech.
Mr Metcalfe drew the Government’s attention to three key
areas: Immigration, anti social behaviour and access to finance for small and
medium sized enterprises (SMEs).
Whilst stressing the need for a balanced approach to
immigration, he praised the Government’s commitment to deporting foreign
criminals saying it would demonstrate to the people of South Basildon and East
Thurrock that British interests are being first. This Government have already
cut immigration by a third and it is hoped that new measures which include
stopping immigrants having automatic access to public services will keep this
figure heading in the right direction.
He also praised new measures that will make tackling
anti-social behaviour much easier. Mr Metcalfe has a long standing commitment
with local people to tackle anti-social behaviour having promised to do so when
he was elected in 2010. In the debate, the local MP said that it is the
“scourge of many of our estates and town centres, and the description belies
its seriousness.”
He later added: “Anti-social behaviour is an extremely
important issue that can make people’s lives a living hell. When I organised an
anti-social behaviour conference in my constituency, I heard first hand from
local people how devastating it can be. It is therefore vital that it is
tackled and I am extremely pleased with new Government measures that will make
it easier to do so.”
Finally, Mr Metcalfe championed the rise of SME’s in South
Basildon and East Thurrock, which are growing at a rate of three times the
national average, and calling on the Government to make it easier for them to
access much needed finance.
He commented: “Whilst
progress has been made in this area, finance initiatives are yet to address
both the cost and issue of access to finance. Banks are still adopting a risk
adverse approach and I have called on the Government to intervene to ensure that
finance is getting where it is needed most.”
“I have urged the Government
to use their borrowing powers to borrow money and then lend it to businesses at
the rate at which it was borrowed or at a subsidised rate. I think this would
be a vital kick-start to our economy.”
“I remain confident that the
measures announced in the Queen’s Speech will be vital in tackling the toxic
legacy left by the previous Labour Government and I look forward to seeing the
country reap the benefits in the near future.”
