Tory leader David Cameron shows his true colours and just how little his party has changed since the days of Thatcher - for Cameron to be suggesting the North East has too high a share of public investment shows just how out of touch he is. http://m.guardian.co.uk/?id=102202&story=http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/apr/23/david-cameron-paxman-squeeze
The North East suffers from: the highest rate of child poverty outside London, and of those families living in poverty 57% at have least one adult in work; the lowest wage economy; high levels of deprivation, particularly in ex-mining communities and a low level of skills training. The public sector accounts for an average of 34% of jobs across the Region, and rather than being a drain on the economy provides valuable services to some of the most vulnerable and deprived communities in the Country.
The public sector is also a key driver in helping to get the economy through and out of recession, as public sector workers spend their wages in the Region, which in turn generates growth and jobs. Public services are also vital in helping to support people back into work, and encouraging private sector investment.
North East communities are still devastated by the destruction of the Mining Industry, the demise of the Manufacturing base, and the recent mothballing of Corus steel works. What is needed is further inward investment, and Government support to attrack private sector business opportunities to the region, such as the recent attraction of 'green' jobs to Nissan in Sunderland; wind turbines in Northumberland.
The Big Society is nothing more than old style Conservative politics which is about benefiting the few over the majority. To even suggest the withdrawal of essential investment which will help bring jobs into the North East shows just how out of touch they are with the reality of everyday life for working class people in this country.
