News from Southampton Labour

Regional Minister slams do-nothing Tories

Jonathan Shaw MP, Labour MP for Chatham and Aylesford and Minister for the Southeast, has spoken out against Conservative plans to cut £5 billion from investment in crucial areas such as infrastructure, skills and training at the worst possible time.

Whereas the Labour Government is bringing forward investment to safeguard jobs and help people through these tough times, investing £800 million in schools and £100 million in improving GP surgeries, the Conservatives are offering no real help when families and small businesses need it most.

Caroline Spelman MP, the Conservative Party Chairman will be visiting Rose Bowl and Southampton Airport as part of the Conservative’s nationwide business forum, and Jonathan has challenged her to admit that Conservative proposals would do nothing to give real help to people during difficult times.

Jonathan Shaw MP said:

“Caroline Spelman’s visit shows that David Cameron’s Conservatives will say anything to distract from the fact that they would do nothing to give real help now to families and small businesses.

“Today they say they want to help the economy but only yesterday they pledged to cut £5 billion from investment in key areas such as infrastructure, skills and training at the worst possible time.

“If Caroline Spelman is serious about helping small businesses, then why is she opposing the new Business Payment Support Service, which allows businesses in difficulty to defer their tax payments? Why is she opposing ‘Small Business Guarantee Facility’, which allows businesses to borrow any sum, from £1,000 to £1 million, at cheaper rates and for a longer period?

“And why are they opposing the £3 billion brought forward to invest in infrastructure, skills and training to help us come through the downturn stronger and sooner?

“If Caroline Spelman MP really wants to help families, then why is she opposing the VAT cut worth £275 off the average household bill and the £145 tax cut for basic rate taxpayers? Why is she opposing the £60 for pensioners from January 1st – or bringing forward the increases in child benefit and child tax credit?”

Other news from Southampton Labour

• Water bills hiked as Southampton Council and Southern Water waste public money - 2 February 2012
• Southampton Labour MPs urge constituents to claim free heating and insulation help - 1 February 2012
• Welfare changes hit poorest areas in Southampton hardest - 1 February 2012