My Column in the Wakefield Express
On Monday it was the anniversary of Britain’s entry into the First World War. I believe it is right that we mark the centenary to honour those who served, to remember those who died, and to ensure that the lessons learnt live with us forever. I like many others lit a candle; paused and reflected on the extraordinary sacrifice of a generation. The decision to enter war was led by Morley born Prime Minister Herbert Asquith, who had given Germany an ultimatum and last weekend Morley held a Centerary celebration. I was honored to have been asked to sing and perform some patriotic songs and the fact that there were some veterans present from wars that have been fought since made it all the more poignant. May we never forget those who fought and sacrificed for the freedom we have today. God bless them all.
From the challenges of the past we come to the present and quite often history can repeat its self. Following the two great wars Britain faced a recession and in 2008 as we all know Britain faced the most devastating recession in peace time. But this week has demonstrated that despite the challenges there is hope. Britain's jobs revival continues, with unemployment set to fall below pre-2008 crisis levels by the end of the year. The economic benefits are starting to trickle up north too. We still have a long way to go but importantly we are heading in the direction of a country that is healing economically.
Since 2010 3,730 people have started an apprenticeship in Morley & Outwood, unemployment is decreasing and 802 fewer people in the constituency are now relying on unemployment benefit each week than in 2010 and an estimated 39,292 people in Morley & Outwood have seen their taxes cut since 2010. It is the local economy that matters deeply to me,; that is why I set up MOBA (Morley & Outwood Business Association) in February to support local businesses. Jobs, skills and education are also a priority of mine and to help in this area I have organised a jobs and skills fair for this Autumn; which is about untiting local talent with local jobs and we will be putting on training session for job seekers including CV and interview techniques training. I also welcome this weeks announcement by Chancellor George Osborne for new investment and radical plans which will help strengthen the north of England economy with commitment to money, infrastructure and transport. I am a firm believer that as politicians we need to stand up and play our part to ensure that we create opportunities and look after our own local people.