Coastal Scene Column - 14th October 2011

"Parliament has now returned after Party Conference season and it was a conference dominated by the economic issues that affect us all. It is important for our economy that the Eurozone does not collapse. I support the Chancellor calling for resolution but not prescribing the precise medicine as we are outside the Eurozone. We now see what an important decision it was to keep the pound and tackling the economic problems of the day is this Governments first priority.

Since returning to Parliament however there has been more upbeat news in the form of some important announcements that affect Suffolk Coastal.

On Monday we heard the news that Saxmundham Free School has reached the next stage of the Free Schools process. The 540 place 11-16 secondary school is hoped to be opened in 2012. This is great news for Saxmundham and I am pleased that the Secretary of State has given the thumbs up to the bid. There is of course still lots of hard work to be done to take this application past the final stage but congratulations to parents and members of the community who have championed this so far. Of course the well established Leiston High school will continue to operate. I support the school as it will offer choice for parents. Choice is well known as a key driver in improving standards and that should be welcome for parents and children across East Suffolk.

On Tuesday the Energy Secretary presented to Parliament the findings of the Weightman report. The report described the current regulation of the nuclear industry in this country as satisfactory. I welcome these findings and the decision not to require significant changes to current procedures. This reflects the current safety standards that are rigorously enforced and clears another hurdle towards the construction of Sizewell C, which is good news for Suffolk Coastal and our Green Coast.

We have all seen the appalling images this week of the cargo ship leaking oil off the coast of New Zealand. Some constituents have voiced concern and linked this to Ship to Ship transfers off of Sole Bay, however it is important to remember this is a cargo ship not an oil tanker. Whilst I appreciate the concerns, Felixstowe has thousands of cargo ships going in and out of the port every year – and no-one is seriously proposing that that should stop. I will however be writing to the Marine and Coastguard Agency to see if there are any lessons to be learnt in the UK in terms of tightening up procedures as a result of the New Zealand Disaster.

Finally – I am looking forward to this year's Aldeburgh Docfest on the 11th – 13th November it is now in its 17th year and this season promises to be the best yet. This year's festival will provide a showcase for the latest documentary films and bring international, award-winning film-makers to Aldeburgh to talk about their work in audience Q & A sessions. It is being organised by Festival Director, Diana Quick, with award winning filmmaker Mark Kidel and top journalist Anna Ford amongst the special guests. Log on and book in at www.aldeburghcinema.co.uk – the exciting programme of events suggests it will be a festival to remember."

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