Emergency meeting on economy

The meeting consisted of a no holds barred questions and answers session from small business owners and politicians.

The panel chaired by the Federation's Chairman LORD Brett McLean of Hastings consisted of Hastings & Rye Member of Parliament Michael Foster DL, MP, Conservative Parliamentary Spokesperson for Hastings & Rye Amber Rudd, LibDems Parliamentary Spokesman Nick Perry, Hon Freeman for Hastings Pam Brown OBE and former Bexhill Chamber of Commerce Chairman & local trader John DiPaolo.

In the audience were Rother District Council's Lib Dem Leader Cllr Sue Prochack, Director of Seaspace Mr. John Shaw, Hastings Borough Labour Councillors Trevor Webb & Dominic Sebastian, Deputy Mayor & Mayoress of Hastings Councillor Peter & Mrs. Jackie Armstrong, LibDems Bexhill & Battle Parliamentary Spokesperson Mary Varrell PPC,

The over crowded room filled with ASDA protestors,Old Town Traders, small business owners and politicans lasted for over 3 and a half hours and consisted of heated debates in relation to the local economy, the banking system, FSB's Keep Trade Local Campaign, VAT reduction for small business and investment for the future of Hastings & St. Leonards on sea.

One of the highlights from the meeting will involve a special meeting Monday morning between local MP Michael Foster & The Chancellor of the Exchequor Mr. Darling in relation to the issue of "Wreckless Trading" which was bought to the panels attention by FSB's Deputy National Councillor for East Sussex.

It was agreed that Old Town traders will attend the next working party meeting between the FSB & Hastings Borough Council to enhance the working relationship between the local authority and the business sector which will be held at the Hastings Town Hall (date to be announced).

The FSB will be hosting an emergency economy debate in Bexhill with local MP & Shadow Environment Minister Greg Barker shortly (date and venue to be announced ).

FSB's Chairman & chairman of the emergency economy panel LORD Brett McLean is pictured with Hastings & Rye MP Michael Foster, Parliamentary Challengers Amber Rudd & Nick Perry, Hon Freeman of Hastings Pam Brown OBE & former Chamber of Commerce Chairman John DiPaolo.