The Thames Estuary Growth Board today published their response from Kate Willard OBE, Thames Estuary Envoy and Chair of the Thames Estuary Growth Board to the King’s Speech, addressing the key initiatives introduced by the Government last week.

The King’s Speech outlined several major Bills aimed at supporting economic growth and addressing the significant challenges faced by communities across the Thames Estuary and the wider UK. The Thames Estuary Growth Board is particularly encouraged by the Government’s emphasis on fairness and opportunity, principles that have been central to the Board’s mission since its inception.

In the letter, Kate Willard OBE said, “We particularly welcome the central role given to fairness and opportunity in the Government’s plan for economic growth. Fair growth has been the guiding principle of the Growth Board since our inception. Our granular understanding of the challenges facing Thames Estuary communities is nationally leading and we look forward to partnering with the Government to realise this critical ambition and delivering an additional £190 billion in GVA and 1.3 million new jobs by 2050 through fair and strategic initiatives in sectors including logistics, digital connectivity, sustainable energy and accelerated infrastructure investment.”

The Thames Estuary Growth Board endorses the establishment of an Industrial Strategy Council and the development of an English Devolution Bill, recognising the vital role of local leadership in driving economic growth. The Board remains committed to collaborating with the Government and local stakeholders to achieve fair and sustainable growth across the region.