In the news
Rail and A12 prioritised over Northern Bypass in transport bid
Transport East has submitted funding requests for multiple infrastructure projects in Suffolk, but an Ipswich Northern Bypass is a notable absence from its proposals.News
Suffolk Chamber's A14 report reveals damning impact on Suffolk businesses as MPs speak out on proposed solutions
Suffolk faces a potential economic crisis as 83% of businesses say ongoing A14 disruption will force them to cut jobs unless significant improvements are made within the next decade.News
PM agrees to ministerial talks on Ipswich's Northern Bypass
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has promised to arrange a meeting about Ipswich's Northern Bypass, responding to mounting pressure over the town's traffic problems and a stark warning about the Orwell Bridge's future.News
Why 2025's Holocaust Memorial Day carries extra weight
With Holocaust survivors becoming older and frailer, this year's 80th anniversary of the liberation of Nazi concentration camps could be the last major commemoration where survivors can share their firsthand accounts. Local MP Jack Abbott has joined nationwide efforts to ensure their stories are preserved.News
Ipswich MP Jack Abbott calls for Northern Bypass to be given national priority status
Ipswich MP Jack Abbott has written to the Prime Minister urging him to designate an Ipswich Northern Bypass as nationally significant infrastructure as the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce prepares to release damning evidence of A14 disruption's impact on the local economy.News
Ipswich MP demands 'no more excuses' over potholes but council yet to receive details from Department for Transport
Ipswich MP Jack Abbott and Suffolk County Council have offered contrasting views on new road repair funding announced by the government. While Abbott welcomes a "huge funding uplift", the council emphasises the need to understand allocation details before making commitments.News
New £12.8m ambulance hub takes shape in Ipswich
A steel signing ceremony has marked a key milestone in the construction of a new £12.8m ambulance hub in Ipswich, which will help keep more emergency vehicles on the road.News
Jack Abbott: MP for Ipswich or the East of England?
In recent months, Jack Abbott has taken on a dual role that deserves closer scrutiny. While elected to represent Ipswich, he's now also serving as Mission Champion for the East of England – but what does this actually mean, and should we be concerned?Opinion
Ipswich MP backs advance rent cap limit but local property experts warn of 'unintended consequences'
Ipswich MP Jack Abbott has backed new legislation limiting advance rent payments to one month, but local property experts warn the changes could have unintended consequences for renters in Ipswich.News
Policing minister visits Ipswich to discuss town centre crime
Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson visited Ipswich today to meet with local businesses and police about tackling retail crime and anti-social behaviour. The visit follows an invitation from Ipswich MP Jack Abbott to discuss town centre regeneration.News
Ipswich MP backs government's plan to clear 57,000-patient hospital backlog
Ipswich MP and East of England Mission Champion Jack Abbott has fully endorsed new government plans to tackle NHS waiting lists, as figures reveal more than 57,000 local patients are waiting longer than 18 weeks for treatment.News
Premier League trophy visits two Ipswich primary schools
Hundreds of Ipswich schoolchildren had a surprise visit from the Premier League trophy today at The Willows and Halifax primary schools, accompanied by local MP Jack Abbott.News
Local MPs split as national inquiry into grooming gangs rejected
Local MPs Jack Abbott and Patrick Spencer (inevitably) found themselves on opposite sides of a controversial vote on whether to launch a national inquiry into grooming gangs, as the amendment was (also inevitably) defeated in parliament by 364 votes to 111.News
Major school reforms set to affect thousands of Ipswich families
New legislation going through Parliament will require all teachers to have formal qualifications and introduce free breakfast clubs in primary schools. The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill aims to reform the country's education and child protection services.News
Ipswich to receive extra £200,000 from government for disabled home improvements
Ipswich will receive more than £200,000 in additional funding to help disabled and elderly residents make improvements to their homes. The investment is part of a wider £86 million national funding boost to the £711m Disabled Facilities Grant.News
Suffolk faces 'historic decision' as council calls crucial devolution vote
Suffolk County Council will hold an extraordinary meeting on 9 January to decide whether to join the government's Devolution Priority Programme, as debate intensifies over the future of local democracy and governance.News
Jack Abbott welcomes £889m GP services reform plan
Ipswich residents could see major changes to local GP services under new government proposals that promise the biggest boost to GP funding in years. The plans aim to slash bureaucracy and ensure patients can see the same doctor at each appointment.News
Suffolk County Council to receive £44m boost for pothole repairs in 2025
Suffolk is set to receive £44 million to tackle potholes next year, including £11.7 million in new funding from the government's £1.6 billion national road repair scheme.News
Suffolk police to receive £5.5m funding boost from government
Suffolk's police force is set to receive an extra £5.5 million in government funding next year, the Home Office has announced. The increase represents a 5.6% rise from 2023-24.News