Here's my contribution to the Budget debate this afternoon
I'm confident that this budget will act as a solid foundation for us to build back better after the COVID-19 pandemic - we have already supported 11 million jobs and with can build back even faster with the introduction of further support such as:
The Furlough Extension
Additional grants for the self-employed
The introduction of Restart Grants, Recovery Loans, and the super deduction
And, of course, the new network of Freeports - one of which will be located in the East Midlands based at East Midlands Airport, the Intermodal Rail Park in Derbyshire and right here in Rushcliffe at the Ratcliffe on Soar power station.
Not only will this Freeport bring 60,000 jobs to our Region, it will be a hub for green energy and green research - creating new and exciting opportunities for our local communities.
No longer will we be overlooked in the East Midlands - this Government and this budget has put our Region at the heart of its levelling up agenda and I couldn't be more proud to support it.