Oral Answers to Questions

Gordon Birtwistle Excerpts

Wednesday 19th November 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Last but not least, I call Mr Gordon Birtwistle.

[Gordon Birtwistle (Burnley) (LD)]

Thank you, Mr Speaker. In 2009, Burnley was classed as an unemployment blackspot. In 2014, unemployment has fallen to 3.5% and we are no longer a blackspot. May I advise my right hon. Friend that the economic plan of the coalition Government of the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats is working in Burnley?

[The Prime Minister]

First, I thank my hon. Friend for what he says. May I also commend his leadership on fighting for more apprenticeships, more skills and more training for young people in Burnley? The long-term economic plan is succeeding in Burnley, as it is in the rest of the country.