Leicester Mercury gives readers a chance to question the Prime Minister 10 Nov 2009

http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/news/Leicester-Mercury-gives-readers-chance-question-PM/article-1499786-detail/article.html

Leicester Mercury gives readers a chance to question the Prime Minister

The Prime Minister's message to Leicester Mercury readers

Dear Leicester Mercury readers, I’m delighted to have this opportunity to answer your questions and to find out direct from you the issues and concerns that matter most to the people of Leicestershire.
There is no doubt that the last year or so will have been a difficult time for many of you.
The recession has affected every part of the UK, and indeed every corner of the world.
But we have been doing everything we can to help people remain in their jobs, stay in their homes and keep businesses afloat.
Through the ‘Time to Pay’ scheme, we have reached more than 2,650 agreements – worth £47m – with Leicestershire businesses, giving them more time to pay tax bills and helping them to cope with cash flow pressures.
We are also working with the banks to ensure that they continue to support small businesses and provide financial services that work for us, not for them.
We can’t always prevent job losses but we can help people find new jobs, create new opportunities and enable you to gain the skills you need for the future.
The £1bn Future Jobs Fund, for example, will help employ more than 1,000 young people in Leicestershire.
It is vital at this time that the Government keeps on investing to build a brighter future for Britain.
I know that people will be worried about national and personal debt and are angry with those bankers and MPs who they feel have let them down.
But I want to assure you that we are tackling these challenges head on, that we have the plan to clean up the financial and political systems and see Britain through. Looking ahead, there is much to be to be optimistic about.
I was last in Leicestershire in July to visit the new British Gas energy academy and spoke to young people about their hopes for the future.
I was delighted that on the same day British Gas announced they would create 2,600 new ‘green’ jobs by 2012.
Creating a low-carbon or ‘green’ economy is vital for Britain’s future prosperity.
It will protect our environment and create jobs and economic growth.
I am proud that Britain is a leading player in the ‘green’ energy revolution.
“This year’s Budget was specifically designed to support £10bn in new ‘green’ investment and jobs – because we recognise that even in these tough economic times, it’s critical that we continue to invest.
We think the new low-carbon and environmental industries could create about 400,000 jobs by 2017.
Creating jobs, supporting the economy and developing the right energy and environmental plans for Britain are top priorities for this Government and I believe we have the right ideas for the future.
However, I know people will have other concerns – anti-social behaviour, standards in schools and pressures on housing are issues I often discuss with people.
But I want to know what concerns you. What are your hopes and fears and where do you think as a Government we could be doing better?
So I encourage you to write to the Leicester Mercury with your questions and I will answer as many as I can.
Hopefully, I will get the chance to meet a few of you personally, too.
I look forward to reading and responding to the points that are raised with great interest.


I would like to ask about Madeleine, but they are now not taking any further comments.

His time was up the day he came into power.

Allstar wrote:His time was up the day he came into power.

Unfortunately the drooling unelected oaf is taking the country with him..............