Ian Swales MP’s maiden speech
This is the last of four maiden speeches presented here this weekend for the interest and comments of our readers. Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, for calling me to make my first speech to the House. I...
View ArticleGordon Birtwistle MP writes… My response to the Budget
For me, this budget goes some way towards rebalancing the economy. The last Government left the country in almost financial ruin and have come up with no credible policies in opposition. The chancellor...
View ArticleOpinion: Bombardier – the end is nigh?
Just over a year ago, I wrote on Lib Dem Voice that the future for the Bombardier train building plant at Derby looked precarious. At that time, my fears were around the deep spending cuts that we were...
View ArticleOpinion: Derby, Bombardier and lessons for Government
The award of a £1.4bn contract to Bombardier’s rival Siemens seemed to threaten the existence of Britain’s last remaining train-maker. 1200 workers were being laid off by Bombardier with more losses in...
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Opinion: The Lib Dems should be the party of manufacturing
There are some good economic reasons for the decline of British manufacturing. But decades of government policy are also to blame. All manufacturers in rich countries face challenges and threats from...
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Industry takes advantage of government supply chain funds
Thirty-two manufacturers have successfully applied for £90 million of government funding to help British suppliers compete in the global economy and attract foreign investors, Vince Cable has...
View ArticleGordon Birtwistle MP writes: Liberal Democrat Campaign for Manufacturing...
As someone with a long-standing interest in manufacturing, based on having over 50 years’ experience as an engineer and employer in industry, I am very excited to be a member of the newly formed...
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Making the Industrial Strategy Work, Part 1
As the economy slowly rebuilds, Vince Cable’s Industrial Strategy will play a key role in whether we will manufacture more in Britain. The challenge is to replace imports, export more and to be at the...
View ArticleGordon Birtwistle writes…Making the industrial strategy work in Burnley
Aerospace manufacturing is a huge contributor to the economic make up of Burnley, a town steeped in manufacturing tradition. International aerospace manufacturers Aircelle are at the forefront of high...
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An apology to Dr Vince Cable
In what will likely be my last political outing for a while, I got the train to Cheltenham recently for a talk by the Business Secretary, Dr. Vince Cable. It was hosted by Cheltenham Ladies’ College,...
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Opinion: Making MORE in Britain with the Regional Growth Fund
The Spring Conference will debate the motion on creating a strong manufacturing sector in a strong economy. In Vince Cable, the coalition government has a powerful voice for manufacturing. Significant...
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Opinion: Making MORE in Britain with the Lib Dem Campaign for Manufacturing
The Lib Dem Campaign for Manufacturing had a hugely successful start, with the first campaign aim being implemented in the Autumn Statement. Our proposal on capital allowances saw the Chancellor...
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LibLink: 160mph Vince Cable stands in for Jeremy Clarkson
Yesterday’s Sunday Times carried a treat for those of us who are Liberal Democrats and petrolheads. Jeremy Clarkson being “away” is seen by some as a treat in itself, but his replacement for this week...
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Phil Bennion MEP writes: Manufacturers say Britain must stay in the EU
On Monday, the UK’s manufacturing sector gave us a clear message. In Europe, in work. In a landmark report by the EEF, a trade association representing 6000 companies, manufacturers emphasised the...
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Opinion: Manufacturing is a growing sector in the UK and EU membership is vital
Manufacturing has been something I have been passionate about for years now. When I was MP for Rochdale I helped to set up the all party manufacturing group in the House of Commons and then when I...
View ArticleGordon Birtwistle MP writes… A revived nuclear industry could unlock the UK’s...
In March 2013, the Government published its Nuclear Industrial Strategy with the ambition to make the UK once again world leading in nuclear new build and decommissioning expertise. It is forecast that...
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