East Sussex MP, Huw Merriman, urged the Chancellor to deliver more investment in East Sussex in the House of Commons today.

Making his pitch to the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Chamber, Mr Merriman explained that, “In rural and coastal parts of East Sussex, it is improvements in infrastructure which are the key to attracting more businesses to relocate to the area.”  After listing the needs of residents, Mr Merriman went on to ask the Chancellor “What plans does the Chancellor have to continue investment in road, high-speed rail and broadband connections so that we can attract more businesses to rural parts of this county?”

In response, the Chancellor said "We are investing in superfast broadband which is critical to the country’s future. As my hon. Friend will know, in his area we are investing in the A21, and we are working with Network Rail on exploring options for connecting HS1 services to Hastings (and Bexhill) via Ashford International.”           

Speaking after the exchange with the Chancellor, Mr Merriman said “With the A21, we have a dangerous road which detracts businesses from expanding and relocating. Our average broadband speeds in Rother are lower than the national average. On the train, it takes far too long to travel from Bexhill to London which is why High Speed Rail to Hastings, Ashford and London St Pancras would be a game-changer. These are the matters I will continue to campaign to improve. If you don’t ask, you don’t get and I intend to keep asking until progress is delivered.”