15th July 2008

Minister for the East Midlands Phil Hope today called on the region to get
involved in preparing Britain for the future as he toured the hi-tech BioCity
complex in Nottingham.

He visited the facility – the largest of its kind in the UK – to promote the
consultation on the Draft Legislative Programme, which allows ordinary
people to comment on what they think of the Government’s latest proposed
new laws.

Visiting BioCity’s bioKneX educational lab, which provides world-class
facilities that can be used by local schools, Minister for the East Midlands Phil
Hope said:

“Here at BioCity some of Britain’s brightest individuals are working hard to shape the future. I’m a former science teacher myself and can really appreciate the level of talent on display here – I just wish I’d had the opportunity to work in a facility like this!

“Being a scientist in a white coat is only one route to being part of the region’s future success. Everyone should have access to a good school for our children, the opportunity to get onto the housing ladder, be able to work in a
flexible way and feel safe and secure in our local communities.

“We’re planning legislation to help make all of this happen and we want to know what you think. That’s why we are urging everyone in the East Midlands to get involved with the Draft Legislative Programme and help shape the laws
that will make Britain a better place to live.”

The Draft Legislative Programme, Preparing Britain for the Future, sets out the Government’s plans and priorities for public scrutiny. Anyone can comment on the proposed laws and the public’s views will be taken into account before new legislation is announced in the Queen’s Speech.

Notes to editors

1. To find out more about the draft legislative programme, visit www.commonsleader.gov.uk/draftprogramme where you will be able to register your comments. You can also write to:
   The Draft Legislative Programme Consultation,
   Freepost
   SCE 7543,
   Hayes,
   Middlesex,
   UB3 1BR.
2. The consultation ends on 6 August. A summary of comments made will be published in the autumn, ahead of the Queen’s speech on 3 December.
   ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE CABINET OFFICE
   BY COI NEWS & PR EAST MIDLANDS
   Contact: Elizabeth Leonard, 0115-971 2782