LABOUR’S Shadow Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Harriet Harman joined South Swindon’s parliamentary candidate Anne Snelgrove in Swindon town centre to highlight the cost-of-living crisis under the Tory-led Government.
LABOUR’S Shadow Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Harriet Harman joined South Swindon’s parliamentary candidate Anne Snelgrove in Swindon town centre to highlight the cost-of-living crisis under the Tory-led Government.
The “Cost of Cameron” campaigning was part of a day of action across the country to draw attention to Labour’s alternative plan, which is to earn our way to higher living standards for all.
Anne, Harriet and north Swindon candidate Mark Dempsey, explained to people in the town centre how Labour would alleviate families’ hardship with a freeze on energy bills, support working parents by expanding free childcare for three and four year olds and tackle low pay by strengthening the minimum wage.
All regions of the UK have seen real wages fall since 2010 but the south west is one of the worst affected, with wages down an average £1,883 since David Cameron came to office – a fall of 8 per cent.
Harriet Harman, who also spoke of the importance of cutting business rates to support small and medium-sized businesses, said: “It’s really interesting to be here in Swindon with Anne and Mark. We are campaigning on the cost of living crisis because people are really struggling. I think that people think the government is being complacent boasting about a recovery.
“There are a lot of things the Government could be doing if they were prepared to listen.”
Harriet, who also spent time canvassing homes in the town, added: “In Anne and Mark you have got two people who will really fight for Swindon to make a difference and I think Swindon deserves it. There’s a lot going for Swindon but it needs backing from government.”
Anne Snelgrove said: “David Cameron doesn't have answers to Britain's cost-of-living crisis. Prices are rising faster than wages for hard-working families and yet Ministers have given a tax cut to those earning over £150,000. Cameron’s Conservatives only stand up for a privileged few.
“Ministers say they are delivering 'hard truths' but the real truth is it's hard times for households across Swindon.
“We are campaigning to highlight the damage caused by David Cameron’s government. Whether in refusing to take action over energy bills, overseeing a 20% rise in rail fares or refusing to scrap the bedroom tax, this out-of-touch Government is letting people down.”