A summit to bring together MPs from across the region had to be called off for a second time last week - because not enough of them turned up.

Regional minister Barbara Follett had been due to chair the meeting in Westminster on Tuesday, but only 16 members attended, one short of the required amount for it to take place.

This was the second successive time the meeting has had to be cancelled for this reason.

Patrick Hall, MP for Bedford and Kempston, and North East Beds MP Alistair Burt were among those who were able to attend, but Mid Beds MP Nadine Dorries was not.

Mrs Follett said: "I am disappointed that – again – fellow MPs from the East of England have not taken this opportunity to come and talk about the priority issues facing the region and its residents.

"This is despite voting for it to be here in Westminster, with a majority of 284.

"I feel it is vital that MPs hold government in each region, and me as regional minister, to account and have the opportunity to raise both local and strategic issues, such as housing, transport, regeneration, jobs and skills.

"I think it is a real shame that more regional MPs did not take the chance to raise their issues with me."

Patrick Hall described MPs who did not make the effort to attend as "complacent",

He stressed that eight out of 12 Labour MPs attended, but only six of 41 Conservatives, Overall the region is represented by a total of 54 MPs.

He said: "Twice in a few months Conservative MPs have prevented debate about the issues facing the people of Bedford and Kempston in the East of England.

"Of course some will have had good reason for not attending, but perhaps too many take their 'safe' seats for granted."


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