Representing an area like the East of England makes you realise that it's not just our inner cities that need regeneration.

I have campaigned long and hard to gain recognition for the poverty, lack of services and affordable housing in the countryside that many of my constituents face.

For example in the debate on reform of the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy I have argued for money to be channelled in to direct aid for our rural communities, rather than being used to support crazy schemes like asking farmers to set aside land.

At the beginning of 2002 I was pleased to see my efforts begin to pay off, with £3 million of European money going to support training and development schemes in the Fens and Norfolk.

But my constituents living in urban areas need support too. Recently, Southend qualified for approximately £25 million in European aid. I am delighted to say this will lead to around 1,000 new jobs for local people. It will also stimulate as much income again in match funding from private and public sector investors.

I am very keen to support small rural businesses, especially if an opportunity arises for them to expand into other European markets. In June 2002, for example, I visited the Norfolk village of Starston to meet proprietors of the Alewife Brewery who have been able to export beer to Spain, Mexico, Sweden and Malta. This is thanks to the European funded E-urocom project that trains business people in European marketing skills. .