Parliament

Following the Prime Minister’s statement on securing a lasting peace in Ukraine, George Freeman commends the PM’s efforts to rally international support and to strengthen our military capability. He asks when a business plan will be put forward to fund the likely £60 to £70 billion needed over the next five to ten years, to ensure our military is credible, serious, and affordable.

Former Minister of State for Science, Technology & Innovation George Freeman MP asks questions on harnessing UK R+D and the innovation economy for local, national and global growth & sustainability.

George Freeman highlights the impact of the cost of living crisis and the Government’s taxes attack on jobs and small businesses on rural Mid Norfolk. He calls on the Government to diverting money from rural areas to cities and instead allow rural councils to keep the proceeds of their growth and incentivise them to support rural businesses.

George Freeman raises the increasing problem of flooding in inland Norfolk as a result of climate change, aging infrastructure struggling to cope with modern demands, and the fragmentation of responsibility for water management. He seeks Government support for measures in his Private Member’s Bill which includes clauses on defining responsibilities, funding, liabilities and monitoring.

George Freeman urges the Government to commit to the previous Government’s ‘Mansion House Reforms’ designed to unlock £billions capital held in UK pension funds in the City to protect and grow British R&D.

George Freeman speaks in the Budget Debate to emphasise the depth of the financial crisis facing the UK, particularly with regard to the structural deficit, and the importance of an innovation-driven economy as the path out of this crisis. The Government needs policies and a tax regime that retains talent and attracts innovators and investors rather than deters them as he fears this Budget will do. Finally George raises concerns about the Budget's impact on small businesses and agriculture in rural areas such as Mid Norfolk.

George Freeman speaks in a Westminster Hall debate to urge the Government to take action to support the racing industry which is in financial crisis and is a major employer in rural areas.

George Freeman speaks in a debate on SEND provision in the East of England, highlighting the impact of the recent surge in demand which is overwhelming schools in mid-Norfolk and the need for the funding formula to properly account for rural costs.

George Freeman speaks in the Winter Fuel Payments debate in Parliament and tells the Government that if they go ahead with scrapping this payment constituents of Mid Norfolk will not forget. “It’s unfair, unjust, unprecedented and I urge ministers to think again.” he said.