15 March 2012
Congratulations to the new Norfolk members of the UK Youth Parliament!
Following the announcement of the results for the Youth Parliament Elections, George said:
“I am very pleased to see such talented, young people from Norfolk taking a real interest in politics. The Youth Parliament is so important for engaging the next generation in government decisions. I hope our newly elected members enjoy their new roles and think about going on to become MPs or Councillors.”
| EDP
Following the announcement of the results for the Youth Parliament Elections, George said:
“I am very pleased to see such talented, young people from Norfolk taking a real interest in politics. The Youth Parliament is so important for engaging the next generation in government decisions. I hope our newly elected members enjoy their new roles and think about going on to become MPs or Councillors.”
| EDP
15 March 2012
Mid Norfolk MP, George Freeman, was grilled by Attleborough High School student, Zoe Arnold, during a visit to the School last Friday. The Year 8 pupil was taking part in the BBC News School Report, an annual initiative that gives 11-16 year-old students the chance to make their own news reports for a real audience.
George met the Head and senior teachers and was invited to participate in a House Assembly about the School’s trip to New York last month.
George said, “I really enjoyed being interviewed by Zoe. Who knows? She may be the next Fiona Bruce or Kate Adie. Norfolk is home to so many talented, young people and they deserve the very best education and opportunities we can provide.”
| BBC School Report
George met the Head and senior teachers and was invited to participate in a House Assembly about the School’s trip to New York last month.
George said, “I really enjoyed being interviewed by Zoe. Who knows? She may be the next Fiona Bruce or Kate Adie. Norfolk is home to so many talented, young people and they deserve the very best education and opportunities we can provide.”
| BBC School Report
13 March 2012
George Freeman asks Justice Minister Jonathan Djanogly about the effect of court closures on the efficiency of the remaining courts.
George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con): Last year, the Government found it necessary to close several smaller courts because of low utilisation rates, particularly in rural areas such as Norfolk. Will the Minister update the House on the effect of those closures on court efficiency in the remaining courts?
Mr Djanogly: The efficiency of the courts is being improved because of the closures. We have now closed 130 of the 142 that were on the closure list. In all cases, the closures have gone very well and magistrates have all transferred to local, surrounding courts.
| Hansard
George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con): Last year, the Government found it necessary to close several smaller courts because of low utilisation rates, particularly in rural areas such as Norfolk. Will the Minister update the House on the effect of those closures on court efficiency in the remaining courts?
Mr Djanogly: The efficiency of the courts is being improved because of the closures. We have now closed 130 of the 142 that were on the closure list. In all cases, the closures have gone very well and magistrates have all transferred to local, surrounding courts.
| Hansard
12 March 2012
George Freeman would like to offer his support and encourage families in Norfolk to attend the ‘Science in Norfolk Day’ on the 24th March at the Forum, Norwich.
The free event is a great opportunity for a family science discovery day, with hands-on activities, exhibitions, displays and shows for all ages.
2700 scientists will be available to chat, and you can find out firsthand about their work and hear about the Norwich Science Vision and future plans which will firmly establish Norwich as an international city of scientific excellence.
Activity Stands are provided by the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association, the Norwich Research Park, the Norwich Astronomical Society, the Institute of Food Research, and the University of East Anglia, amongst others.
In support of the event, George said:
'Norfolk's world class Science and Research at the Norwich Research Park is helping create the technologies, businesses and jobs of tomorrow. We need to inspire a new generation of scientists and entrepreneurs to rise to the challenge, and the Science in Norwich Day is a great initiative.
We need to spread the message about Norwich's leadership across the whole of Norfolk - and I'm working with NRP, local businesses and County Council to develop a Norfolk Science Day bringing together school science teachers, 6th form science students and science companies, to showcase the opportunities Norfolk's science can offer.’
For more information on the event, click here: http://soin.org.uk/2012/01/science-in-norwich-day/
The free event is a great opportunity for a family science discovery day, with hands-on activities, exhibitions, displays and shows for all ages.
2700 scientists will be available to chat, and you can find out firsthand about their work and hear about the Norwich Science Vision and future plans which will firmly establish Norwich as an international city of scientific excellence.
Activity Stands are provided by the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association, the Norwich Research Park, the Norwich Astronomical Society, the Institute of Food Research, and the University of East Anglia, amongst others.
In support of the event, George said:
'Norfolk's world class Science and Research at the Norwich Research Park is helping create the technologies, businesses and jobs of tomorrow. We need to inspire a new generation of scientists and entrepreneurs to rise to the challenge, and the Science in Norwich Day is a great initiative.
We need to spread the message about Norwich's leadership across the whole of Norfolk - and I'm working with NRP, local businesses and County Council to develop a Norfolk Science Day bringing together school science teachers, 6th form science students and science companies, to showcase the opportunities Norfolk's science can offer.’
For more information on the event, click here: http://soin.org.uk/2012/01/science-in-norwich-day/
9 March 2012
The potential of the bioeconomy to generate jobs, economic growth and wellbeing in the UK was highlighted at a meeting in the House of Parliament yesterday. The event was hosted by George Freeman, and supported by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
The bioeconomy encompasses a wide range of activities that use bioscience based research or processes to produce products, food, fuel or therapies and is driven by increasing demand. Across Europe the sector already represents a market worth over €1.5 trillion and more than 22 million people are employed in the bioeconomy.
Parliamentarians and invited guests from industry, policy and academia heard from George Freeman and speakers from industry and academia. The speakers discussed the scope for the UK’s world-leading bioscience research base to lead efforts to exploit the huge potential for the UK and how the best researchers are pursuing projects in areas as diverse as basic plant science and food manufacturing processes. Examples of industry working with public funders, such as BBSRC, and the research base were also highlighted.
Speaking after the event, George said:
“I was delighted to host this important event showcasing the best of British bioscience in Parliament. As we look to build a sustainable recovery by trading our way out of debt, our Life Sciences and the industrial biotech which underpins them should be right at the heart of the Government’s plan for growth.”
“I was particularly pleased to see the Norwich Research Park so well represented, highlighting the potential of Life Sciences for the economy of my constituents in Norfolk.”
The bioeconomy encompasses a wide range of activities that use bioscience based research or processes to produce products, food, fuel or therapies and is driven by increasing demand. Across Europe the sector already represents a market worth over €1.5 trillion and more than 22 million people are employed in the bioeconomy.
Parliamentarians and invited guests from industry, policy and academia heard from George Freeman and speakers from industry and academia. The speakers discussed the scope for the UK’s world-leading bioscience research base to lead efforts to exploit the huge potential for the UK and how the best researchers are pursuing projects in areas as diverse as basic plant science and food manufacturing processes. Examples of industry working with public funders, such as BBSRC, and the research base were also highlighted.
Speaking after the event, George said:
“I was delighted to host this important event showcasing the best of British bioscience in Parliament. As we look to build a sustainable recovery by trading our way out of debt, our Life Sciences and the industrial biotech which underpins them should be right at the heart of the Government’s plan for growth.”
“I was particularly pleased to see the Norwich Research Park so well represented, highlighting the potential of Life Sciences for the economy of my constituents in Norfolk.”
9 March 2012
George would like to encourage Mid Norfolk primary schools to take up the Norwich Theatre Royal Access project and enjoy live theatre performances. He offers his congratulations to the Norwich Theatre Royal for this innovative scheme which should benefit local children and the wider community.
The Theatre Access Project was launched at the end of 2011 and offers financial support to schools who do not normally visit the Norwich Theatre Royal.
So far, 16 schools have already come along to live performances and more have already booked for 2012 shows as part of the scheme, which is backed by major local employer Norse.
The project was created off the back of research conducted by Norwich Theatre Royal which showed around 100 primary schools had no regular contact with the venue. A total of 86 per cent blamed it on the combined price of travel, tickets and supply teacher cover.
More than 1000 tickets have already been booked under the scheme and the theatre’s education team are already talking to more schools who have never visited the venue before to encourage them to get involved.
Head-teachers can use the available money to go towards the cost of tickets and/or transport for shows at the theatre.
For further information, please contact John Bultitude, Norwich Theatre Royal press officer, on 01603 598521 or j.bultitude@theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk
The Theatre Access Project was launched at the end of 2011 and offers financial support to schools who do not normally visit the Norwich Theatre Royal.
So far, 16 schools have already come along to live performances and more have already booked for 2012 shows as part of the scheme, which is backed by major local employer Norse.
The project was created off the back of research conducted by Norwich Theatre Royal which showed around 100 primary schools had no regular contact with the venue. A total of 86 per cent blamed it on the combined price of travel, tickets and supply teacher cover.
More than 1000 tickets have already been booked under the scheme and the theatre’s education team are already talking to more schools who have never visited the venue before to encourage them to get involved.
Head-teachers can use the available money to go towards the cost of tickets and/or transport for shows at the theatre.
For further information, please contact John Bultitude, Norwich Theatre Royal press officer, on 01603 598521 or j.bultitude@theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk
7 March 2012
Yesterday George welcomed representatives from the NFU and UK sugar beet growers, for a gathering to discuss this key industry which celebrates its centenary this year.
Employing 13,000 people throughout the economy, the UK beet sugar industry makes an annual economic contribution of around £800m. Far from being an industry stuck in the past, it is consistently raising the bar in terms of efficiency, productivity and sustainability. Sugar yields from beet are today similar to those from cane in Brazil and Australia, two of the world’s most efficient cane sugar producers.
The UK beet sugar industry supplies over half the UK’s sugar requirements, plus a wide range of co-products. It also exports 110MW of electricity, equivalent to a medium sized power station.
The event provided the opportunity to discuss challenges facing the industry and the impact of European reforms and was supported from attendance by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Rt. Hon Caroline Spelman MP.
Employing 13,000 people throughout the economy, the UK beet sugar industry makes an annual economic contribution of around £800m. Far from being an industry stuck in the past, it is consistently raising the bar in terms of efficiency, productivity and sustainability. Sugar yields from beet are today similar to those from cane in Brazil and Australia, two of the world’s most efficient cane sugar producers.
The UK beet sugar industry supplies over half the UK’s sugar requirements, plus a wide range of co-products. It also exports 110MW of electricity, equivalent to a medium sized power station.
The event provided the opportunity to discuss challenges facing the industry and the impact of European reforms and was supported from attendance by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Rt. Hon Caroline Spelman MP.
7 March 2012
Joining the BBC Radio Norfolk team this morning George spoke up for Norfolk and the rural UK, highlighting the disproportionate and unfair impact of rising fuel prices. He also urged the Government to think more creatively of ways to help the rural UK.
You can catch up on the programme via BBC iPlayer at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00p6bx7
You can catch up on the programme via BBC iPlayer at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00p6bx7
7 March 2012
The elections for the UK Youth Parliament are taking place this week, with voting in schools and libraries across Norfolk to elect nine members of UK Youth Parliament (MYP) in each of the constituencies. The results will be announced on Tuesday 13th March.
George is fully supportive of these elections, as a great way of getting young people involved in the political process. He stressed that it is important to give young people a sense of excitement about politics, and a better understanding of the electoral system. He wishes all of the Mid Norfolk candidates the best of luck, and hopes they enjoy being a part of this scheme.
The elections are being run by Norfolk County Council and will give every 11 to 18-year-old across the county the opportunity to vote.
The event on Tuesday will recognise the hard work of the candidates, further raise the profile of the UK Youth Parliament elections and to wish the elected candidates well for their terms as MYPs.
To see the Mid Norfolk candidates standing for election, and find out more about the Youth Parliament, please click here: http://midnorfolk.ukypnorfolk.org.uk/
George is fully supportive of these elections, as a great way of getting young people involved in the political process. He stressed that it is important to give young people a sense of excitement about politics, and a better understanding of the electoral system. He wishes all of the Mid Norfolk candidates the best of luck, and hopes they enjoy being a part of this scheme.
The elections are being run by Norfolk County Council and will give every 11 to 18-year-old across the county the opportunity to vote.
The event on Tuesday will recognise the hard work of the candidates, further raise the profile of the UK Youth Parliament elections and to wish the elected candidates well for their terms as MYPs.
To see the Mid Norfolk candidates standing for election, and find out more about the Youth Parliament, please click here: http://midnorfolk.ukypnorfolk.org.uk/
6 March 2012
George Freeman welcomes news of jobs at Nissan, the new 500,000 jobs created in the economy and low interest rates as proof that the Government is on the right track.
George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con): Has my right hon. Friend seen the report in today’s Times saying that on his appointment the shadow Chancellor apparently turned to the Leader of the Opposition and asked:
“What if George Osborne is right?”
Does not the news of the jobs in Nissan, along with the 500,000 jobs created in the economy and our low interest rates, prove that he is?
Danny Alexander: I have not seen that report, but I can tell my hon. Friend that it is not a question I have asked myself.
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George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con): Has my right hon. Friend seen the report in today’s Times saying that on his appointment the shadow Chancellor apparently turned to the Leader of the Opposition and asked:
“What if George Osborne is right?”
Does not the news of the jobs in Nissan, along with the 500,000 jobs created in the economy and our low interest rates, prove that he is?
Danny Alexander: I have not seen that report, but I can tell my hon. Friend that it is not a question I have asked myself.
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