Rachel Reeves pledges to keep Great Yarmouth bridges open

Rachel Reeves visited the town today for a tour of the Outer Harbour alongside Yarmouth Labour candidate Keir Cozens.

The Outer Harbour is operated by Peel Ports, the same firm that for 83 days refused to lift the Haven Bridge, causing a deadlock on the Norfolk Broads and wreaking havoc with marine industries that require access to the open sea.

On Monday, Peel Ports announced the Haven Bridge will once again open for river traffic. (Image: Denise Bradley) When asked about the ongoing issues at the bridge, Ms Reeves said: "Keir Cozens has raised some of those issues with me and the importance of making sure those bridges are open to make it easier for people to go about their business in Great Yarmouth.

"I have no doubt that if Keir Cozens is elected as the MP here on Thursday he will be a relentless champion of local people and work with businesses to make sure the local economy and local services are working properly."

Peel Ports' Stephen Carr, Rachel Reeves, Keir Cozens and Peel Ports' Richard Goffin by the Outer Harbour. (Image: Sonya Duncan) The shadow chancellor's pledge came as the bridge was effectively locked down by Peel Ports in April following rowdy scenes in February when some people clambered over barriers and abused staff and one drunk person tried to direct traffic when it closed.

Peel Ports wanted the bridge's owner - Norfolk County Council - to do more to avoid a repeat of the scenes. It appears cash-strapped County Hall has now conceded and has agreed to "contribute towards the cost of running the bridge while both parties seek a long-term solution".

Peel Ports announced on Monday the bridge would open up once again for river traffic, but the agreement between operator and owner is only expected to last six months.

Rachel Reeves spoke with local businesses and members of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce during her visit to Peel Ports in Great Yarmouth. (Image: Sonya Duncan) PUTIN'S BOOT ON OUR NECK

During her visit, Ms Reeves also discussed the town's role in Labour's pledge to turn the country into a green energy superpower.

The shadow chancellor said there is "huge potential" across the east coast, particularly with offshore wind and Labour pledges to quadruple offshore wind production.

"It means cheaper bills, it means more good jobs in places like Great Yarmouth and it also boosts our energy security so never again can Putin put his boot on our neck," she said.

Business representatives spoke with Rachel Reeves at Peel Ports in Great Yarmouth. (Image: Sonya Duncan) UPSKILL PLEDGE

Before she visited the Outer Harbour, Ms Reeves also met with local businesses and members of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce.

While there, businesses said they had particular concerns about a lack of skills for certain jobs. Ms Reeves said her party will remedy this by overhauling the apprenticeship levy.

She added: "We want to give businesses greater flexibility to use that money to make sure they can upskill their existing workforce, bring people on pre-apprenticeships to make sure our businesses big and small have the skills they need and that our workforce are able to get a good job that pays a good wage."

Also standing are James Clark (Con), Rupert Lowe (Reform), Trevor Rawson (Green), Fionna Tod (Lib Dem), Catherine Blaiklock (English Democrats) and independents Paul David Brown and Clare Chantel Roullier. 

Rachel Reeves (centre) said Labour would overhaul the apprenticeship levy to get people into good jobs and provide businesses with more staff. (Image: Sonya Duncan)