LETTER: Labour is on the side of working people

David Cameron promised change, but nothing is changing. His Government is failing to take action to tackle the problems in our economy and overcome the challenges we face.

His economic vision is of a race to the bottom in wages and skills, rewarding those at the very top but leaving everyone else behind, squeezed as never before. The talents of millions of young people are going to waste and small businesses that drive our economy on are being held back by the banks and a government that isn’t on their side.

The perfect demonstration of where the Tories’ priorities lie will come in April when they will cut the taxes of 13,000 people earning over £1m. by an average of £100,000, while also cutting the tax credits for millions of working families and refusing to stand up to the energy and train companies that are squeezing family budgets.

In the last two years, we’ve had a flat lining economy and a growing deficit, demonstrating that Mr Cameron’s approach simply doesn’t work. We need a new approach; one that will create prosperity by ensuring everyone plays their part in building our economy.

Labour leader Ed Miliband has outlined a fairer tax system that works for everyone. As well as cancelling the millionaire’s tax cut and the slashing of working tax credits, Labour would introduce a mansion tax on homes worth over £2m. and use the money to cut taxes for working people on low and middle incomes, benefiting thousands of basic rate taxpayers in Pendle alone.

We also need to change the culture in our economy so everyone knows when you play your part and contribute to the economy, you will be rewarded. This means tackling vested interests, improving vocational training and supporting businesses that create high-quality, sustainable, middle income jobs.

These changes won’t happen under the Tories or their Lib-Dem allies.

Labour is the only party on the side of working people, and families in Pendle will be among the millions to benefit from a new “one nation” economy that works for working people.

DAVID JOHNS

Labour Candidate, LCC, West Craven