Article For Folkestone Herald and Kentish Express

22 September 2005

Last Thursday I opened the Business to Business Show organised by the Channel Chamber of Commerce. This was the firth annual holding of this event which took place at the Grand on the Leas in Folkestone.

There was a record number of exhibitors reflecting the increasing mood of optimism about Shepway’s economic future. Although the high speed rail link has been delayed the prospect of its arrival is drawing nearer. This is likely to revolutionise our local economy and the business world is becoming increasingly aware of this.

I was particularly pleased to present the award for the best stand at the show to Brockhill School. Involving schools with the world of business has been a pet theme of mine for many years. It has now become an accepted practice of life but there is always room for improvement and for a more effective emphasis.

One of the features of life which is less encouraging for our future is the latest proposal from the Government for the way in which it intends to distribute the resources which it makes available to local authorities to help them discharge their responsibilities.

The Government has shown a persistent bias against counties like Kent, transferring resources to other parts of the country. Its latest proposals continue this trend depriving Kent of millions of pounds which could and should be used to provide services for the people of Kent.

I have written to John Prescott, whose responsibility these decisions are, urging him to rethink. If past experience is anything to go by I shall have little joy. But the effort must be made. I and other Conservative MPs for Kent will be joining forces with Kent County Council to use our very best endeavours to get Mr Prescott to see sense – and to give the people of Kent a fair deal.