MP George's maiden speech
MID Norfolk MP George Freeman outlined a vision to create a 'vibrant rural society' and described fulfilling a childhood dream as he made his maiden speech in the House of Commons.
MID Norfolk MP George Freeman outlined a vision to create a 'vibrant rural society' and described fulfilling a childhood dream as he made his maiden speech in the House of Commons.
He spoke during a debate on jobs and the unemployed, and took his fellow MPs on a virtual tour of the Mid Norfolk constituency emphasised the need to unlock the 'talents and aspirations' of the people of the area.
Mr Freeman - who started a campaign called The Norfolk Way - said there was a need to create a 'vibrant rural society based on a renaissance of rural enterprise, smaller pockets of mixed housing spread more fairly and sustainably; fast-growing small businesses and jobs back in our villages and towns.'
He said Mid Norfolk was close to two of the world's leading research centres in food, biomedicine and clean technologies - Cambridge and Norwich - which gave an opportunity for the areas to 'become a hub of entrepreneurial activities and new jobs.'
Mr Freeman ended by describing what being elected as an MP meant to him.
'Taking my seat in this great House is the culmination of a long journey and a lifetime's dream. I can recall very clearly when that seed was sown. Coming here on a school trip aged 12, inspired by childhood stories of my great-uncle Gladstone.
Most Read
- 1 New lake could be dug in west Norfolk tourism hotspot
- 2 How Covid restrictions will change in England this week
- 3 Devastated family wrongly told prisoner hanged himself weeks before release
- 4 Further cold weather alert for Norfolk and Waveney
- 5 Woman to stand trial following fatal crash with motorcyclist
- 6 Travelodge looking at nine sites for new hotels across Norfolk
- 7 Air ambulance called after three people seriously injured in A47 crash
- 8 Decision expected within weeks on 40 homes in village
- 9 Public toilets unusable after been vandalised four times in a week
- 10 How are England's Covid restrictions changing after Plan B?
'I recall seeing the worn edges of the Dispatch Box and being struck by a deeply reassuring idea - that whoever and wherever you are in our country, there is a place where the nation takes responsibility for its affairs, a place where your problem matters, a place here, for you, whoever you are. I still believe there is no greater honour than to be sent here by a constituency to serve.'
