amendment of the law

Debate between David Wright and Andrew Griffiths

Tuesday 25th March 2014 Commons Chamber

[David Wright (Telford) (Lab)]

I enjoyed the speech of the hon. Member for Penrith and The Border (Rory Stewart). He focused on issues relating to older people, and I think that many of the points he made were welcome. No doubt we shall have opportunities to explore them over the coming months and years. However, I have to dispute, for reasons that I shall explain shortly, his opening remark that the Budget had focused on young people.

As we know, this year’s Budget followed a huge global financial crisis and several years of flatlining in our economy. The growth that we are now seeing is very welcome, but I think we must acknowledge that, outside the M25 collar around London, it is quite patchy. In many areas, local communities are struggling to secure balanced growth in their economies, and it is undeniable that many people are experiencing a cost of living crisis. In Telford, which has a history of low wages, a history of temporary working and a history of agency working, people are still struggling to make ends meet. There has been some growth in the banking sector—the food banking sector, that is. More people are having to resort to the food bank in Telford, for a variety of reasons. I pay tribute to the volunteers who work at the food bank. I also say “Well done” to the local authority for funding it, and for recognising its contribution.

[Andrew Griffiths]

I understand the point that the hon. Gentleman is making—I too represent a northern, or midlands, constituency—but does he not welcome the fact that unemployment in his constituency has decreased by 25.6%?

[David Wright]

I intend to talk about unemployment, and about youth unemployment in particular. I know that the hon. Gentleman represents a northern seat, although I do not know how much further north it is than mine, if at all. Let me add that I enjoyed his comments about the brewing industry. I welcomed the Chancellor’s policy announcements about the industry, which I think were very positive, and, as a supporter of CAMRA, I agreed with much of what the hon. Gentleman had to say.

[Andrew Griffiths]

Will the hon. Gentleman give way?