Stephen Metcalfe, Member of Parliament for South Basildon & East Thurrock, has welcomed the Government’s Autumn Statement which includes a £2 billion funding boost for UK research and development.
The Autumn Statement also includes measures to help ordinary working families who are struggling to get by, bring down the deficit to get the country back to living within its means, and tackle long-term challenges and make Britain more productive.
Mr Metcalfe said:
“The plans announced in this Autumn Statement will help local people who are just about managing, and ensure that our economy is fighting fit as we begin the process to leave the European Union.
“Increasing the National Living Wage, building more homes that local people can afford, ending tenants’ fees and continuing the fuel duty freeze for the seventh successive year will help local families across make ends meet.
“By backing businesses, investing in our transport networks and securing world-class digital infrastructure, we will keep Britain moving and support our economy for the future.
“This is about putting local families first, and building an economy that works for everyone, not just the privileged few.”
He added:
“As Chair of Parliament’s Science and Technology Committee, I was particularly pleased to hear the Chancellor commit an additional £2 billion of funding towards UK research and development. This extra funding will go a long way towards ensuring that our country continues to grow as a hub for science, technology and innovation.
“To realise our potential and deliver on our ambitions we must also ensure that Britain remains a great place for the best talent in these fields to locate itself.
“On the whole I was pleased that the Autumn Statement provides a stable economic platform for the years ahead, setting out how the Government will support the economy as Britain leaves the EU and begins a new chapter in our country’s history.”
