Thames Estuary Envoy Kate Willard is delighted to announce the reappointment of Julia Lopez MP as Ministerial Champion for the Thames Estuary, continuing her work to support and attract investment, business and high-quality jobs into the UK’s number one government-backed growth opportunity.
Julia Lopez MP, the Minister of State for Media, Data and Digital Infrastructure, previously served as Ministerial Champion for the Thames Estuary and will now continue to work with Thames Estuary Envoy Kate Willard OBE, the private sector-led Thames Estuary Growth Board, local authorities and businesses to secure international investment into the region, protect its natural environment and support the development of transport links and infrastructure.
With an ambitious growth strategy set by the Thames Estuary Growth Board to generate £190 billion for the economy and 1.3 million new jobs by 2050, Ministerial Champion, Julia Lopez MP will support the Board’s global investment programme and hydrogen route-map and ambitions to create the UK’s first hydrogen ecosystem – including ‘living labs’ to develop and accredit technology that could save 5.9 million tonnes of CO2 emissions a year.
Levelling Up Minister Dehenna Davison MP said:
“It is so great to see Julia take up the mantle of Thames Estuary Champion once again. The Thames is a gateway to global trade and investment, and I know we are in safe hands with Julia helping drive forward ambitious plans to secure international investment, protect the local environment and develop local transport links.”
Julia Lopez MP, Minister of State for Media, Data and Digital Infrastructure and the Thames Estuary Ministerial Champion, welcomed her appointment:
“I am delighted to have been reappointed to this important role. As an Estuary MP, I know first-hand the potential of the Thames Estuary – the opportunities to create jobs, encourage innovation and attract international investment. I look forward to working with Kate as Envoy and colleagues on the Thames Estuary Growth Board to deliver on their ambitious strategy that will benefit the entire country.”
Kate Willard OBE, Thames Estuary Envoy and Chair of the Thames Estuary Growth Board, greeted the announcement:
“Julia has been a dedicated advocate for the Thames Estuary, and we’re thrilled she will continue in her role as Ministerial Champion. This is an exciting time for the Thames Estuary, and we welcome Julia’s and the government’s continued support in securing global investment and developing the private-public partnerships that will create jobs, drive innovation and develop infrastructure.”