Economy top of the agenda as Gordon Brown visits Tyneside

May 27 2009 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

THE Prime Minister visits Tyneside today and will be told he has to do more to free up the North East economy.

Gordon Brown will leave the region knowing its roads, airport and rail links need vital Government backing and its largest employers are still looking for banking guarantees.

North East businesses are preparing for a future which will see them benefit from the huge growth in renewable energy, with thousands of jobs predicted for Tyneside alone – but only if the Government continues to support them.

Today the PM will be asked to do all he can during the recession to find the cash regeneration bosses need to ensure the North East is in a strong position when the downturn ends.

Mr Brown has been urged to ensure North road and rail improvements are not starved of cash, amid warnings that any Government spending cuts will have a devastating impact in the region.

Hugh Morgan Williams, chairman of super-quango the Northern Way and creator of multi-million pound business the Canford Group, said the PM should make it clear to the region he was focused on improving its economy. "We need to continue to invest in those areas of our economy, such as renewable energy, which will have a powerful effect when it comes to getting us out of recession.

"This region is particularly dependent upon the public sector and that could be a big problem if spending is eventually cut.

"I would hope he bears that in mind when he looks to make some difficult decisions.

"But what we really need is strong leadership, we need Mr Brown to look at the situation and say honestly he has not done enough to help and this is what he will do now to focus on the recession, because that will go a long way to winning back trust."

James Ramsbotham, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, said it was important the PM looked again at changing employment rules to help businesses through the recession.