Pictured from left to right: Graham Young, CC Michael Green, Nigel Evans MP, Cllr Stephen Atkinson.
Member of Parliament for the Ribble Valley, Nigel Evans, along with the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, welcomed representatives from across Lancashire to Westminster on Wednesday to celebrate Lancashire Day. Lancashire Day takes place this Sunday the 27th of November and commemorates 727 years since elected representatives from the county first went to Westminster.
Over 200 guests from across politics, business and civil society in Lancashire attended the Speakers State Apartments for a reception to celebrate all things Lancashire on Wednesday. The event also provided the opportunity to unveil the Lancashire 2050 Framework, which is setting out a plan for closer cooperation across the county for the benefit of residents.
Every council in the county contributed to drawing up the plan to help guide the future development of the area. This framework is intended to build on the existing County Deal for Lancashire by which local political leaders have made the strong case to national government for more powers and resources.
Lancastrian businesses and food producers were also able to showcase the best that they had to offer with an eclectic display of produce.
Speaking at the event Nigel said:
“I am so pleased we have been able to take this opportunity to not only showcase the best that Lancashire has to offer but also to demonstrate the huge extra potential Lancashire still has for further growth and development.
“It has been a privilege to be able to represent the Lancashire constituency of the Ribble Valley for the past 30 years and I am immensely proud of all that the county has to offer. I have to thank Mr Speaker for introducing this event to Parliament and his State Rooms - it really is brilliant to see the best of Lancashire displayed on such a stage”
The Speaker of the House, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, said:
“From amazing food, such as hot-pot, Chorley cakes, tasty cheeses, beer and black pudding; to beautiful scenery, and some of the loveliest – and funniest - people in the world, you won’t find anywhere better than Lancashire.
“As a proud Lancastrian I can tell you what an amazing place it is – but I am so grateful to the county’s many entrepreneurs, educators and business people for joining us to prove what a creative and industrious place it is.”
"These are exciting times, with Lancashire ready to take more control of its own destiny. The county's future is bright but together we can make it brighter."