The A47 is a major transport artery into, and across, our great country – and that’s why dualling along its entire length remains a key priority of mine.

Full dualling is vital for the long term safety of motorists and absolutely necessary if we are to help Norfolk unlock its full economic potential – delivering thousands of jobs, as well as the growth and prosperity needed, to help us ‘Build Back Better’ and ‘Level Up’.

I therefore welcomed the latest A47 Alliance summit earlier today and continue to follow developments on this campaign closely.

National Highways’ confirmation that they continue to view the A47 as a major route which needs significant improvement came as some reassurance and, although the likes of the North Tuddenham-Easton and Thickthorn Roundabout improvement works are currently held up by Judicial Review, I was pleased to hear that National Highways are confident that they can move forward quickly IF given permission to do so. I will follow the JR’s progress closely.

I was also pleased to hear of the Alliance’s plans to build on the campaign’s momentum to try and ensure there is no further slippage to previously committed works, as well as to make the Business Case for further dualling and improvement to other important A47 stretches.

Progress has been very slow to date and, while I was incredibly proud to play my part in bringing the then Prime Minister David Cameron to Mid Norfolk back in 2014 to announce a £300 million commitment to dual the North Tuddenham-Easton stretch (as well as other improvements along the A47 – including the redesign of Thickthorn Roundabout), I have been very vocal in my calls for National Highways to get on and finally deliver this crucial package of works. I have also continued to stress the importance of pushing on and tackling other problem parts of the A47 – including the Acle Straight.

There is much work left to be done but, rest assured, I will continue to do all I can to speak up for Mid Norfolk and ensure the views of my constituents are being heard at the highest levels.

To learn more about my historic campaign work on this issue, please click here.