If you're reading this blog on polling day trying to decide how to cast your vote in the most important election this country has seen in 30 years, please consider the following before making your decision:
(1) There is only one fundamental choice to make - do you want Labour or the Conservatives to run Britain for the next 5 years?
(2) Both parties have made promises about the future - but judge Labour and the Conservatives not just on their promises but also on their record.
(3) In Labour's time in office, the UK in general and the North East in particular have made huge strides. In this particular constituency, we've seen a brand new hospital in Hexham; 5 new Sure Start children's centres in Hexham, Haltwhistle, Prudhoe, Ponteland and Bellinghan; a road-bypass around Haydon Bridge, hugely improving local residents' quality of life.
(4) Nationally, Labour brought in the National Minimum Wage (which the Tories voted against), rescuing millions from poverty-level wages; invested billions in the NHS, leading to 89,000 more nurses, 27,000 more doctors, and far shorter waiting times; invested billions in education; gave pensioners the Winter Fuel Allowance, the free bus pass, the free TV licence for those 75+, and the minimum income guarantee; and introduced child tax credits and working tax credits.
(5) The North East suffered horrendously under the last Tory government. Remember what happened to the mines? The steel works in Consett? The poll tax?
(6) In an interview with Jeremy Paxman, David Cameron identified two parts of the country which he considers over-dependent on public spending - the North East and Northern Ireland. It's absolutely obvious that if the Conservatives get back into power, they will be gunning for the North East.
If you value what we've achieved in the past 13 years, and don't want to see it thrown away under the Tories, please vote Labour today.
Wednesday 5 May 2010
Monday 3 May 2010
Down to the last 4 days ...
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As we headed over to St. Johns Road I bumped into the Tory candidate, and we exchanged a few friendly words about the campaign and the results we anticipate in a number of North East constituencies. One common experience was noting a complete lack of any discernable LibDem effort on the ground - if the LibDems have been active in the Hexham constituency at this election, its escaped our collective attention.
In the late afternoon we shifted our attention to West Wylam, Prudhoe, where the sun made it a pleasant evening to be out on the doors. We pray for good weather on Thursday.
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Sunday 2 May 2010
Speaking at St Matthews RC Church, Ponteland
This afternoon I visited St. Matthews Roman Catholic Church, Ponteland, to speak to Father Melia and some of his parishioners about issues central to their concerns: abortion, euthenasia, stem cell research, religious rights, gay marriage and gay adoption. Although everyone was extremely polite and welcoming, it's fair to say there was not a meeting of minds on many of the issues: I support a woman's right to choose, even though every abortion is a tragedy; I believe everyone should have the right to create a legally binding 'living will'; I support the right of Christians to express their views in a plain, robust manner, but I also expect all businesses in this country, including those owned by Christians, to abide by the law of the land when it comes to non-discrimination; and I believe gay couples should have the same right as straight couples to enter into a contract having the legal effect of marriage. Sincerely held views were respectfully exchanged in both directions. Thanks go to Father Melia for organising the meeting.
Endorsement from "Protecting Animals in Democracy"
Saturday 1 May 2010
The Glass Centre, Sunderland: PM's visit
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Friday 30 April 2010
Hustings at Highfield Middle School, Prudhoe
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