Amanda Milling, Member of Parliament for Cannock Chase, has called for innovation to be ‘front and centre’ of all local developments, including the redevelopment of the Rugeley B power station, an ambition which has received the backing of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon. Philip Hammond MP.
In a Parliamentary debate, the Cannock Chase MP once again highlighted the need for future developments in the Cannock Chase area, including the redevelopment of the Rugeley B power station site, to be based upon attracting high tech and innovative businesses which will create highly skilled and high paid jobs for future generations.
In his response to the Cannock Chase MP’s question, the Chancellor said: “That was the central theme of the Budget. If we are to ensure prosperity for all our people in the future, we must embrace the technologies and businesses of the future and create the jobs of the future.”
Amanda Milling said: “I believe that Cannock Chase has a real chance to grasp the opportunities that new technologies and innovative businesses offer, but we must step up to this challenge. I have said repeatedly that the redevelopment plans for Rugeley B power station need to be ambitious, bold and visionary. I want to see all business and enterprise developments across the district, to have innovation and technology front and centre so that the businesses we attract offer highly skilled and high paid jobs for local residents.”
Amanda Milling’s comments were in Treasury Questions in the House of Commons, which followed the Budget last week and the launch of the Industrial Strategy White Paper on Monday.
The Cannock Chase MP added: “Innovation and technology was a key theme of the Budget and Industrial Strategy, and I want Cannock Chase to make the very best of these opportunities. I want us to be ambitious in our plans for our area – we must not sell the area short. If we are going to really tackle low wages and productivity we need to attract high tech and innovative businesses.”