Labour ‘must do more for its North heartland’
Jun 4 2008 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal
A FORMER Transport Minister has admitted the Government must spend more on the region’s infrastructure or risk losing its traditional heartland.
Stephen Ladyman MP, who ruled out a dualling of the A1 during his time in the Government, has warned the Labour Party that when it comes to investment in the North, more still needs to be done.
In an interview with The Journal, the MP admitted that despite what he called “an impressive and comprehensive list of North East transport projects” the region was still in need of extra investment, especially in routes connecting to the South.
He said the region’s history of deprivation and “regeneration issues” meant it deserved more funding on key projects.
Dr Ladyman agreed that a “perceived lack of investment” could see voters abandon the Labour Party, and called for more funds to avoid a North East vote collapse.
His comments come as regeneration experts urge the Government to provide a “massive” level of investment in large infrastructure projects. David Sparks, who chairs the Local Government Association’s regeneration panel, said a Government investigation into the impact of the credit crunch should recommend increased spending as a way of stabilising the economy.
Last night Berwick MP Alan Beith said Labour would have to do more than just spend extra money to prove to voters they had not wasted the last 10 years in office.
“Labour are a bit late in waking up to the fact the people in the North East, as we have seen in Newcastle, Northumberland and Durham, are refusing to vote for a party that has taken their support for granted and does not deliver on transport needs.”
Dr Ladyman was speaking following rising concerns that the Government was profiting through increased VAT payments as a result of the rising price in oil.
The MP said: “We need a fuel tax system that gives the Treasury the money it needs to invest in places such as the North East yet does not hurt the taxpayer.
“I think it is important that the North East gets a significant increase in the level of its infrastructure investment. When I was Transport Minister, I provided the local MPs with a comprehensive list of the investment that was being made in their infrastructure and I think even they were quite surprised at how extensive they were when you add them up. There is significant investment going on.
“But, of course, the North East is one of those areas that really deserves more investment because it has significant regeneration problems.
“I disagree with people who say there is not already an impressive level of investment at the moment, but yes I can see the argument for even greater funding levels than are currently available.
“It is true that we cannot just take this region for granted as a safe Labour heartland. But if people see just how much is going on, they would realise we are investing there. What I’m saying is give the Government credit for what it has done while definitely calling for an even greater level of investment.”
Tyne Bridge MP David Clelland said the former minister’s list of transport projects in the North proved the party was committed to the region. “We have a good track record but yes I would agree with Stephen in that there is always more we can do to win more support.”
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