EAST Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe welcomed the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak to the DHL site on London Gateway's logistics park today (Monday, 29 April).

Mr Metcalfe and Mr Sunak met apprentices and new starters on the Future Leaders Graduate Programme.

They discussed opportunities for professional development and the benefits of learning whilst earning. Next, Rishi answered questions from DHL employees as part of his PM Connect Q&A series.

The PM outlined how the UK was at an economic turning point thanks to Government planning and announced new measures to counteract fraud in the welfare system to ensure that taxpayers get a fair deal.

Mr Metcalfe said: "I thoroughly enjoyed showing Rishi how the logistics sector is booming in Stanford-le-Hope.

"DHL has just opened – recognising the opportunities presented by London Gateway and the recent approval of Thames Freeport. Since the approval of Thames Freeport in 2021, over £600 million has been invested in the area and over 1,000 jobs have been created.

"Import and export businesses are setting up in London Gateway's high-tech logistics park and London Gateway is itself investing in a £350 million fourth berth to increase productivity even further. All of this is good for jobs, good for residents and good for consumers."

Last year, London Gateway port surpassed Southampton to become the UK's second biggest container port and reported 14 percent annual growth.