STEPHEN Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock and Thurrock MP, Jackie Doyle-Price, joined Prime Minister David Cameron at DP World London Gateway to welcome the £200 million investment from Marks and Spencer at the site.
Marks & Spencer are the first major investor at the new 1,500-acre logistics park which will run adjacent to the super-port. They plan to build a new 900,000sq ft distribution centre which will create 700 new jobs in the local area.
After the event, the local MP stated: “It was fantastic to welcome this investment to Stanford-Le-Hope with the Prime Minister. Marks & Spencer’s will hopefully be the first of many to invest in the logistics park, creating hundreds of jobs and providing a significant boost to both the local and national economy.”
The Prime Minister branded the new development “an emblem of ambition”, adding that the super-port will be central to Britain’s expanding trade plans.
As well as championing the local development, David Cameron used his speech at London Gateway to deliver his vision for Britain’s role in the wider world and asserted the Government’s commitment to building a stronger economy, a welfare system that works, and a world class education system – things the Government are pursuing with “ruthless ambition”.
Jackie Said:
“It was great to see the Prime Minister, David Cameron accompanied by the trade minister, Michael Fallon at London Gateway today to celebrate the investment by DP World and Marks and Spencer in Thurrock. This Government is helping to secure investment in Thurrock, creating jobs and promoting growth.
“The Prime Minister has confirmed money is being made available to improve junction 30/31 of the M25 which will improve local road infrastructure. Make no mistake, this Government is investing in Thurrock and I will make sure it continues to do so and create the conditions for Thurrock to thrive.
“I hope this draws a line in the sand between those of us who are promoting Thurrock and talking up the local economy and the likes of Cllr John Kent for whom nothing is ever good enough, constantly talking down Thurrock and being negative and critical at every opportunity. Cllr Kent could win the lottery and still have a sour face.”
Mr Metcalfe later commented: “The Prime Ministers’ speech demonstrates that the UK are not spectators in the global race but leaders. As he stated, the Port is an emblem of ambition and it should serve as a reminder that we too should be ambitious about Britain’s domestic policies, and about our place in the world. We are a great country and I am pleased that this Government is committed to behaving as one and delighted that the Prime Minister chose to deliver this message in the symbolic setting of London Gateway.”
