We have now delivered on the referendum result by leaving the EU on 31 January 2020, and through my membership of the International Trade Select Committee in the last parliament I worked for the freedom to set our own independent global trading policy.
Now it is time to build a new path for Britain as we prepare to leave the transition period in December.
Investment in our local skills base to get more people into fulfilling work and reduce our dependence on migrant labour.
Working with Havering Sixth Form College, I have achieved campaign breakthroughs to increase per-pupil funding for post-16 education so that we can equip young people with the skills they need to access fulfilling, well-paid job opportunities. More information on my campaign for post-16 education funding and the Chancellor's announcement of the single biggest funding increase for FE and sixth form colleges since 2010 can be found here.
I have collaborated with Havering College and Transport for London over their innovative Railway Academy in Harold Hill to get UK jobseekers retrained to work on big British infrastructure projects. We showcased the Academy to the Transport Secretary after inviting him to visit Havering.
We hosted our first Jobs & Apprenticeship Fair at Queen's Theatre in 2019, and plan to hold a virtual Apprenticeships Fair this year. The government will be introducing new T Levels from September 2020 to improve technical training in the UK.
A new strategy for our region that links the ports, transport hubs and logistics parks of the Thames Estuary and Eastern London to make the most of new global trading opportunities.
I successfully lobbied government for a coordinated development plan for the Thames Estuary region covering North Kent, South Essex and East London so that we can maximise the opportunities for residents from economic development, particularly when it comes to jobs, skills, quality of life and revived green spaces.
Government has now announced a new Thames Estuary strategic board and ministerial champion for the region that can drive forward ambitious housing and infrastructure deals, improvements to the strategic road network, a regional industrial and skills strategy and a new Great Thames Park.
Support to local businesses who have not yet considered exporting or who would like assistance in expanding into new markets.
We held an Export Hub road show event at Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch, for local businesses looking to export. The event was attended by the Trade Secretary and his team and brought together experts on export finance, local business advisers and banks to give Havering businesses advice on how to expand into growing markets. More information on this event can be found here.
New policies on migration
The government's Immigration Bill will end freedom of movement from the EU and introduce a new points-based immigration system that will welcome skilled workers from across the world to contribute to the United Kingdom’s economy, communities and public services.
Changing our approach to procurement
The government has been bound by complicated and inflexible EU rules in the way it buys goods and services. We plan to introduce a different framework that will open up more opportunities for small and medium sized businesses to deliver public sector contracts.
