Ian Swales Hails Economic Recovery

Liberal Democrats have helped to restore the UK economy to pre-crash levels, figures released today show.

The UK economy has grown by 0.8% over the last quarter, ensuring that the UK economy has now returned to the same level it had before the banking crisis in 2008.

Commenting, MP for Redcar, Ian Swales said:

“Today is a big day for Britain. The rescue is working and Britain’s economy is the same size as it was before the crash. This is fantastic news for local people. Things continue to improve and good news keeps on coming.

“Delivering this recovery is why Liberal Democrats took the brave decision to enter coalition in 2010 and I am proud that we have helped rescue the British economy and get it growing at the fastest rate of any major economy.

“Our area has received over five times more government investment per year than under the previous government and I remain focussed on pushing for more and continuing to build a stronger economy and a fairer society for my constituents. Things are really on the up!”

Liberal Democrats create £1bn fund for communities hit by cuts - Ian Swales

Liberal Democrat Leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has launched a £1bn Regional Growth Fund to help communities that may be particularly affected by public spending cuts.

Liberal Democrat Ian Swales MP for Redcar has today described the move as a vital step in protecting jobs and promoting growth in the North East.

Commenting, Ian said:

“The reckless Labour government left the country nearly bankrupt, with an unprecedented challenge ahead.

“The Coalition Government has had to make incredibly difficult choices, but the Liberal Democrats are helping ensure that no community gets left behind.

“We can now deliver a more focussed approach in the North East and provide more business support, encourage entrepreneurs and protect jobs.”

Speaking in Bradford after the first regional Coalition Cabinet meeting, Nick Clegg said:

“The Regional Growth Fund will create the conditions for growth and enterprise by stimulating investment and creating sustainable private sector jobs.

“Alongside our commitment to waive some employment taxes for new businesses starting up in targeted regions of the country, this fund can make a real difference to companies during difficult times.”

Ian Swales urges Chancellor to bring 'green investment bank' to Teesside

Newly elected MP for Redcar, Ian Swales, today began his campaign to bring hundreds of Government jobs to Teesside by writing to George Osborne, the new Chancellor of the Exchequer, to formally request that he consider Teesside as the location for the administrative centre of the Government's proposed 'Green Investment Bank'.

Under the coalition Government's proposals, the bank will be used to provide investment for 'green' projects such as upgrading ports to make them suitable for off-shore wind turbines.

In his letter to the Chancellor, Mr Swales stressed the need for increased Government support to help the North East recover from the economic crisis and deal with the continuing high levels of unemployment.

Commenting, Mr Swales said:

"I'm delighted that the coalition Government has given the go-ahead for the creation of a new Green Investment Bank and am hopeful that Teesside will be able to play a significant role in its ongoing development.

"I've written to George Osborne to ask him to consider Teesside as the location for the bank's administrative centre, which, if successful, will provide a much needed injection of highly skilled jobs to the area.

"Teesside has been badly neglected by the previous Government, which is why it is vital that it receives support to help rejuvenate the area.

"Choosing Teesside as the site for the Green Investment Bank will not only help create jobs now, but will also provide the North East with stable, long term employment for many years to come."

Ian Swales MP announces first surgery date

Ian Swales MP will be holding surgeries on Saturday 22nd May. Redcar constituents are invited to speak with Ian regarding issues or concerns by joining him at Redcar Library, Coatham Road, 9.30am-10.30am or at the newly-opened South Bank Library, Low Grange Health Village, Normanby Road, 11am-12pm.

Anyone wishing to speak to Ian who cannot attend either surgery on Saturday can arrange a meeting by calling his office on 01642 292847.

Nick Clegg's visit to Redcar in pictures

 Ian Swales and supporters get ready to greet Nick Clegg

 Ben Sheperia, Steven Abbott and Chris Abbott

 Ian Swales and the Battle Bus

Nick Clegg and Ian Swales face the cameras

George Selmer, Becky Selmer and Glyn Nightingale watch on as Nick and Ian enter the hall

 Nick Clegg addresses the audience

Nick Clegg listens to Redcar Folk...

 ...but who let these Labour Councillors from Middlesbrough in?

Pictures by Amanda Proud

Redcar agrees with Nick

Posted by Chris

Coatham Memorial Hall was packed for Nick Clegg's visit to Redcar last night.

The enthusiastic audience even included Labour Councillors from Middlesbrough Barry Coppinger, Len Junier and John McPartland who assured me they had been invited by the BBC. I wonder why? They are pictured above seated directly behind Pat Swales, wife of Lib Dem Candidate Ian Swales. The UKIP candidate for Redcar also sneaked in.

Retiring MP for Harrogate, Phil Willis, making his second campaign visit to Redcar, warmly welcomed the Labour and UKIP observers and impressed us all with his knowledge of the area and its problems.

Nick Clegg spoke about Labour's neglect for the area over many years and answered a whole range of questions from the audience which included a large proportion of young voters. The topics raised included, Corus, defence, education, the NHS and immigration.

It is interesting that  of all the people who turned up to see Nick Clegg's brilliant performance The tacky  Sun  choose to quote only one person, John McPartland, without mentioning he is a Labour Councillor from Middlesbrough.

NHS must be protected - Ian Swales

Commenting on today’s focus on health, Redcar Liberal Democrat candidate Ian Swales wants less waste and a new approach to the NHS.

Ian said:

“The NHS is a vital service that must be protected, but the Government have increased careless administrative bureaucracy and funded hospitals through Private Finance Initiatives. Across in Durham the taxpayer is paying back £521m for a £60m hospital.

“That so much money is wasted as unemployment in Redcar rises is incredibly disappointing. To protect the NHS we need to stop the waste of public money by the old Government.

“Patients must come first and money must go to where it is needed. The Liberal Democrats would scrap central targets and guarantee treatment on time. Local people should have the power to stop local hospital closures through elected health boards.

“The Liberal Democrats have a practical approach to the NHS that would change the way the power flows, back to patients, doctors and nurses.”

Vince Cable in Redcar to meet steelworkers - pictures

Liberal Democrats Shadow Chancellor, Vince Cable, was in Redcar today to meet steelworkers with Redcar's Lib Dem Candidate, Ian Swales.

A claim for Redcar

Official statistics released today show that the number of claimants of Jobseekers Allowance in Redcar constituency increased to 7.1% of the working age population. The Lib Dem candidate for Redcar Ian Swales said:

“Unemployment in Redcar constituency is over 10% and almost 4,000 people in Redcar are claiming benefits for unemployment this month – an increase of 0.8%.

“Under Gordon Brown we have an unsustainable economic model based on decades of over-reliance on the City of London, while Teesside’s industrial base was completely neglected.

“We need total change for sustainable regional growth, and support for the manufacturing industry. Manufacturing is a vital industry and it has played a fundamental role in the region’s economy for the past 150 years.

“Redcar needs to become the hub of industrial activity that it once was. Only the Liberal Democrats have the vision, drive and credibility to rebuild the economy, creating new jobs that last.”

Lib Dems in the North East launch Regional Manifesto

Liberal Democrats in the North East have launched their ideas for a fairer North East in Newcastle today.

Launching the party’s regional manifesto, Lord David Shutt of Greetland (pictured third left), Lib Dem Chief Whip in the House of Lords, said:

“The Leader’s debate last week has shown that the Liberal Democrats are a credible political force. Here in The North East, the Liberal Democrats have been Labour’s main challengers for years and have demonstrated that we are able to make a difference once in charge. Our principles set out in our manifesto nationally will also bring a very positive change to the region: our planned tax reform means that people in the North East will have an average £700 extra to spend each year; we will invest £175m into local schools with children from poorer backgrounds to make sure that each child gets a fair start in life; and we will invest in the North’s manufacturing base by improving the region’s infrastructure and refurbishing derelict ports which will enable giant offshore wind turbines to be produced here rather than abroad. The Liberal Democrats are committed to real change for the North East.”

Ian Swales (pictured first left) Lib Dem Candidate for Redcar said:

 "The Liberal Democrats have the ideas to improve the Teesside economy and are prepared to back them with major investment. Labour have done too little, too late, to deal with the local jobs crisis. Teesside would be a net winner from the Liberal Democrat tax policies and our schools would get a big injection of funds. I hope local people will recognise that we can bring real change after the area has been taken for granted for so long."

Lib Dem manifesto offers fairer deal for Redcar

Prospective Lib Dem MP for Redcar constituency, Ian Swales, has welcomed the launch of the Liberal Democrat manifesto today, saying:

“People feel badly let down on Teesside. The Conservatives and Labour have both failed to protect the North’s industrial and manufacturing base. They have both pursued an unsustainable economic model dependent on the City of London. Only the Liberal Democrats have put forward the policies needed to build an economy based on innovation and sustainability for jobs that last. We would break up the banks and get them lending again and our plans for creating jobs by investing in green energy and infrastructure would greatly benefit Teesside.

“Only the Liberal Democrats are really putting fairness at the heart of their policies, raising the income tax threshold to £10,000. In Redcar constituency this would mean people are on average £700 a year better off.

“On education, our Pupil Premium will see an extra £10m invested in local schools, targeted towards the most disadvantaged children and giving every child a fair start regardless of their background.

“Finally, we will clean up politics by giving people the right to sack corrupt MPs.

“All of these proposals will lay the foundation of the just and fair society the people in Redcar constituency want to see.”

Ensus shows what is needed on green jobs, say Lib Dems

The Government must rethink business regulation in order to make it easier for new companies to set up on Teesside, say North East Lib Dems Fiona Hall MEP and Redcar Lib Dem parliamentary candidate Ian Swales, following  a visit to the Ensus biorefinery plant at  the Wilton site in Redcar, which came online earlier this year.

The Ensus plant, the largest biorefinery in Europe, produces bioethanol, high protein animal feed substituting for rain forest soy meal, and non-fossil carbon dioxide for the drinks industry. It has created 100 jobs on site and around 2000 in the supply chain.

Said Ian Swales:

“Ensus is a success story and shows how the Wilton site, where I used to work, is transforming itself with the new technologies of the 21st century.

“The British business regime is difficult for any new company trying to get off the ground. Holland and Germany are much more user-friendly. If we don't make it easy for new enterprises to base themselves on Teesside, then they will go elsewhere.”

Commented Fiona Hall:

“The message we heard at Ensus is that European-level regulation is helpful, because it gives investors certainty. But much more needs to be done at a UK level to get new green jobs off the ground. That is why support for green jobs is a key commitment from the Liberal Democrats.”

 

What happened to Government jobs promise?

IAN Swales, the Liberal Democrat prospective MP for Redcar constituency, renewed the call for civil service jobs on Teesside today, to help create employment in the area.

“Historically, government jobs have often been moved into areas that have structural economic problems,” said Ian.  “The DVLA in Swansea, the Passport Office in Liverpool and the HMRC offices in Newcastle are just a few examples.

“It’s about time that the government stepped up and helped this area, which is suffering terribly as a result of the recession and years of underinvestment.”

Ian also called on Vera Baird MP to explain what had happened to her promise of government jobs in the area. 

“Vera Baird publicly claimed that the government had plans to move “well paid civil service jobs” out of London to create more opportunities,” said Ian, “what happened to that promise?"

“It’s another example of how the area has been let down, time and again by this Labour government.

"This pledge was, until recently, featured on Vera Baird’s personal website, but has been removed: 

 Local unemployment is around 4%, the lowest for nearly 30 years. The Government has plans to move well paid civil service jobs out of London which will create more opportunities. Vera Baird's website 2nd December 2007.

Ian Swales publishes his pledges to Redcar residents

The Lib Dem contender for the Redcar parliamentary seat today released a series of pledges to local residents.

Ian Swales has pledged to be open and honest about his expenses - and publish details on his personal website.

He said if elected as MP for the Redcar constituency he would not profit personally from the use of expenses and would not sit on any company board.

He also promised to open an office in the constituency and hold regular advice surgeries for local people.

Ian said: "People have been let down badly by politicians, especially on expenses.

"I will always remember that taxpayers money is for the taxpayers' benefit and if I earn people's support and become their MP I will not let them down.

"My pledges are my way of restoring the public's faith in democracy and are my personal commitment to the people of Redcar that I will always do my best for them.

Ian's pledges to the people in Redcar constituency:

My first and foremost priority will be to represent local people.  I will be there to help, to listen to your concerns and to stand up for our area and our communities. I will:

* Have an office in the constituency open at times convenient to the public, and hold regular advice "surgeries" in easily accessible places

* Ask for your opinions about things that matter to you on a regular basis

* Keep an open mind about issues and seek a range of views and experiences

to ensure that I am roundly-informed

* Report back on what I am doing - not just at election time

* Always be honest with you, whether we agree or not

I will make sure that your views are heard, locally and at Westminster, and I will be an effective voice for Redcar. I will:

* Listen and work with residents groups and others who represent people in Redcar constituency.

* Meet regularly with local service providers such as the police, health services and local schools so that I am fully aware of their concerns, priorities and activities and can help at a parliamentary level.

I will be open and honest in the expenses incurred in representing you. I will:

* Publish details on my personal website and answer any questions you may have about them

* Not profit personally from the use of expenses

* Not sit on any company board

Lib Dems ready to fight for change in Redcar Constituency

Liberal Democrats in Redcar constituency – led by prospective MP Ian Swales – swung into action today after months of waiting, the moment that Gordon Brown announced the General Election has been called.

Ian Swales, Lib Dem candidate for Redcar said: “At long last, people will get the chance to decide who they want for their local MP – and choose the person they think is best placed to fight for our area.

“The Liberal Democrats will be fighting this election calling for real change and a fair deal for our area. A vote for the Liberal Democrats is a vote for fair taxes, to give all our children a fair start in life, to create new green jobs, and bring in big reforms to make sure our country is run fairly.

“In Redcar constituency, we will be fighting to give local people a local MP – who will be based here and represent the constituency in Parliament, not the other way around.

“If elected, I’m determined to use my years of business experience to bring jobs and prosperity to the area. We need to tackle head on the years of Labour neglect the results of which we can plainly see on our high streets.

“It’s a massive job, but this is an area with proud people and great natural resources. Labour hasn’t made the best of that – we will.

“Liberal Democrats in Redcar are going into this election well prepared and in a confident mood. We genuinely believe that we can bring real change to our area by working together with the local community. This is a two-horse race between ourselves and Labour here, and I am confident that we can win.”

Ros Scott visits Redcar

Ian Swales campaign to win Redcar constituency at the General Election was boosted by a visit from Baroness Ros Scott, President of the Liberal Democrats.

Ros, who was accompanied by fellow blogger, Mark Valladares Liberal Bureaucracy, met up with campaigners in the 9'0 Club in West Dyke Road, Redcar, before visiting Redcar town centre and helping to collect signatures in support of our campaign for a proper pier.

She congratulated Redcar Lib Dems for their "outstanding" series of by-election victories over the past twelve months and spoke of the party's hopes for success at the General Election.

Former Newcomen Ward Lib Dem Councillor, Stan Wilson, travelled from his home in Sowerby, near Thirsk to attend the visit and he sends best wishes from his wife Stella and himself to all his friends in Redcar.

Pictured L to R: Glynis, Charlotte Seaman (our granddaughter), Chris, Stan Wilson, Lib Dem President Baroness Ros Scott, Ian Swales prospective MP for Redcar.

Campaign for a Pier at Redcar

The campaign for a pier at Redcar has enlisted the support of journalist Chris Foote-Wood who has written two books celebrating Britain's seaside piers.

Chris, who is standing for the Liberal Democrats in Middlesbrough has joined up with Redcar's Lib Dem Candidate, Ian Swales, who launched the campaign for a traditional pier at Redcar in November and has received the support of hundreds of residents who have signed his petition.

Say's Ian: "I am delighted that Chris has joined our campaign. He is a noted expert and his book has helped to revive interest in the seaside pier.

"It is clear from the response we have been receiving from residents that a traditional seaside frontage, complete with a proper pier is what they want for Redcar."

Chris said: "I have always loved seaside piers. In 2007 and 2008 I visited every remaining seaside pleasure pier in the UK to write two pier books. Piers are part of our heritage and an enduring attraction. Redcar did have a pier, but it was demolished in 1981. A new pier at Redcar would be a great attraction, it would boost tourism and provide indoor as well as outdoor entertainment".

Voting System must be changed for the armed forces

Very few of our armed forces will actually vote in the forthcoming General Election due to the systems used. Anyone stationed abroad must vote by post and, given the deadlines, very few of them will be able to vote in time. This will be especially true for those stationed in remote parts and fighting on the front line in Afghanistan.

Ian Swales, Liberal Democrat prospective MP for Redcar, said "it's a scandal that many of our troops are bravely fighting to bring democracy to other countries while they are denied their basic democratic rights at home. In practice few of our service personnel will vote in the forthcoming election. Other countries such as Canada have solved this problem and report high turn outs from troops serving abroad. The Government have known about this for a long time but only set up a working party in January. That group has yet to report so there's no chance of implementing any recommendations before the General Election.

"Our troops have been getting a raw deal on equipment, pay and housing. Now they're being denied the right to have their say."

Eric Howden, Chairman of the British Legion in Cleveland said "This is disgusting, our troops put their lives on the line for this country daily and to deny them the simple right to vote is almost criminal and shows what our government really think of our troops. Our troops have fought for the right to the freedom of a vote on behalf of so many countries for so many years, only for our country stop them having that same right."

Dismay at decision to close St Peter's School at South Bank

News that St. Peters school on Normanby Road, South Bank, will definitely close has been greeted with dismay by local Liberal Democrat prospective MP Ian Swales.

Ian Swales said: "The St Peters school closure is a devastating blow to the local community in South Bank. I was at the public meeting on 23 February and was very moved by the passion shown by pupils, former pupils, teachers, parents and others over the future of the school. So many people attended that the oriignal venue at Eston Learning Centre was far too small. The adjudicator seemed to be listening but in the end has taken no notice of local feelings.

"This decision is driven by the Government's "Building Schools for the Future" programme. Even though St Peters is one of the most successful schools in the Borough it has had to go under the "one size fits all" policy. The Council had proposed alternatives to the department of education in London which were rejected. Now it's a London based adjudicator who has decided the school must go.

"Under Labour it's Whitehall that makes all the decisions. It's time to put the "Local" back into Local Government. We should trust people to know what's best for their own communities."

Ian Swales pledges support for NSPCC General Election campaign to protect children

Ian Swales, Prospective Liberal Democrat MP for Redcar, has pledged to support the NSPCC’s ‘I stand for children’ campaign which aims to make child protection a priority for the next Parliament.

Ian Swales said:

“Many residents have contacted me to raise awareness of the NSPCC’s valuable work and I am supporting the NSPCC’s new campaign to ensure protecting children is a political priority: I Stand for Children.”

The NSPCC’s campaign is calling on all candidates at the General Election to commit to a range of child protection measures including:

* Making the internet safer for children
* Continued funding of helpline services for children and for adults concerned about the safety or welfare of a child
* Tackling domestic violence from a child's point of view
* Ensuring that vital child protection reforms are fully implemented and resourced, following the death of Baby Peter and other child deaths since
* Provision of resources for vital therapeutic services for children who have experienced abuse
* Strengthening the role of the children's commissioner in England to act as a genuinely independent voice for children.

The charity’s Diana Sutton, head of the public affairs and campaigns unit at the NSPCC, said:

“We need to make sure that the next elected Government keeps child protection high on its list of priorities. By signing up to our campaign, candidates in this next general election can help. The public can play their role by letting the politicians know what they want done.”