Lib Dems debate "Strengthening the Economy of the North"

10.20.00am GMT Mon 15th Sep 2008

"We need to support local businesses from the ground up," was the message delivered by Oldham East & Saddleworth Parliamentary Spokesperson Elwyn Watkins to a meeting held by The Northern Way and The House Magazine at the Liberal Democrats' annual conference in Bournemouth.

The packed meeting addressed a wide range of issues, including transport and infrastructure funding for the North of England, as well as investment, jobs, education and regeneration.

Elwyn said: "I don't think that governments are good at regeneration. It has to be driven on the ground, at a local level. The top-down approach doesn't work - you need to go from the grass roots up and support small and medium sized businesses, not over-burden them with regulation."

Elwyn also spoke passionately about the need to encourage private investment in the North, as well as education and training: "There are many manufacturing companies that want people with manufacturing skills - we should be teaching a wider range of appropriate skills in schools to support this need."

Related Links:

The Northern Way.

The House Magazine.