Introduction
In July 2021, a wide range of public and private sector partners in the East of England
came together to produce the region's inaugural Prospectus for Sustainable Growth.
This document puts the East of England firmly on the map, highlighting its current
assets and huge economic potential. The prospectus also makes the case for greater
investment and how this would support the region to contribute even more to the
UK economy in a way that is sustainable and inclusive.
In the first six months of 2021 the East of England All Party Parliamentary Group
(APPG) led an inquiry into 'The Green Recovery in the Eastern Engine of Prosperity'.
This inquiry held three evidence sessions, on:
1.Challenges and opportunities for building back business
2.Transport and digital infrastructure
3.The East of England's Road to COP26
The APPG heard from thirteen witnesses including Government Ministers and Peers
as well as key stakeholders and sponsors in the East of England. In total the sessions
were attended by more than a hundred MPs, key individuals and organisations. This
was followed by an inquiry into Levelling Up in the East of England which has held
two evidence sessions over the past three months.
Taking the key findings from the APPG's inquiries in 2021, this document builds on
the messages from the Prospectus and makes a clear offer to Government. It sets out
the collaboration and investment required in our region in order for it to realise its
full potential.
In 2019 the East of England was one of the fastest growing regions in the UK, in
terms of both population size and the economy. Investment in research and
development within the region's business sector was at the second highest level of
any region in the UK, greater even than London, meaning that in 2019 and again in
2020, the East of England was one of only three UK regions to contribute more to the
Exchequer than it was receiving in public money. We can build upon that success.