High Peak MP calls on Government to invest big to get the country back on its feet

This is possible thanks to the efforts of a huge number of people who have been complying with the lockdown and social distancing measures, as well as the amazing efforts of our NHS and care workers, key workers and countless volunteers.

As we get the virus under control, we are carefully re-opening up the country and the economy.

But there is no doubt that the economic impact of the pandemic will be enormous and the country faces difficult decisions.

That’s why, at Prime Ministers Questions last week, I urged the Government to respond with a major infrastructure investment package, to help create jobs, stimulate economic growth and level up the whole country.

I want to see the Government turbo-charge the rollout of high speed broadband across the country, particularly to more rural areas such as the High Peak.

We need to invest in commuter railways with longer, more reliable trains and stations that are more accessible.

I’m also pushing for road investment in Buxton, such as the Fairfield Common Link Road and I’m working with neighbouring MPs on finding ways to tackle the growing congestion on the A6.

But these are just a handful of the investment schemes that are badly needed.

So much more needs to be done to help the High Peak become better connected and I don’t have all the answers.

You can help by taking a couple of minutes to fill in my local transport survey online at www.robertlargan.co.uk/transport.

However, such transport improvements are long term goals – our local businesses need support now.

With shops re-opening, I’ve launched my High Peak Shop Local campaign, encouraging people to support our brilliant local businesses.

We’re incredibly lucky to have such fantastic local high streets, each with its own unique character, each with something different to offer.

I’ll be doing my bit, shopping local and supporting our high streets.

If we don’t use them, I fear we will lose many of them.

Robert Largan is MP for High Peak.