Sunderland Echo column - Bridget Phillipson

Bridget Phillipson: Working families will pay the price of missed opportunity

Yesterday’s Spending Review was a missed opportunity for the government to start making responsible choices to get our economy back on its feet. Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on communities like ours. It’s why for months, Labour have called for a relentless focus on jobs – to help us…

Bridget Phillipson: Government’s chaotic approach is risking lives

The announcement of new lockdown measures at the weekend has understandably caused worry about what lies ahead over the winter months. These measures are necessary – no one wants to see a repeat of the scenes we saw earlier this year. But I understand the impact this will have on…

Bridget Phillipson: We remain in the thick of a pandemic, but our Chancellor is worryingly out of touch.

We remain in the thick of a pandemic, but our Chancellor is worryingly out of touch. Our country is faces unemployment on a scale not seen since the 1980s. We have already lost one million jobs since the start of the pandemic – and the figures ahead are bleak. That’s…

Bridget Phillipson MP: We don’t need any more slogans from ministers – we need a strategy

I heard first-hand about the challenges they’ve faced as they grapple with this pandemic, and their hopes and concerns for the future. Whether it’s a sports centre, a brewery or a coach company, businesses and entire industries have faced huge challenges in adapting to the situation we’re in. And although…

Bridget Phillipson MP: Chancellor risks undoing the positive impact of furlough scheme

This summer, Labour called on the Chancellor to deliver a Back-to-Work Budget that addressed the unemployment crisis we face. The North East has almost 15 jobseekers for each available job – the highest number in England. In Sunderland alone around 1 in 3 workers is furloughed, and no doubt anxious…

Bridget Phillipson MP: We need urgent action from Government to create jobs

Although lockdown is being eased, our country still faces the real threat of an unemployment crisis unless the government takes swift action. We know the warning lights are flashing on the dashboard of our economy. Manufacturing jobs are in real danger. Even before the pandemic, high street businesses were struggling…

Bridget Phillipson MP: Ambitious plan needed to get the economy moving again

As we all grapple with the impact of COVID-19 on our daily lives, it’s vital that politicians work together as far as possible to ensure the best possible outcome for families and communities across the country. Throughout the crisis, Labour has made clear that we’ll press the government where things…

Bridget Phillipson MP: Gaps in support mean many workers will be left out

While this is a hugely challenging time, we are also seeing the best of our community, as local people look out for another and help those in need. I pay tribute to our key workers, from shop workers, to the NHS and social care, and across our public services, who…

Bridget Phillipson MP: With kindness and compassion we can come through this crisis as a stronger community

I know many people are worried about the impact of Coronavirus on their life, from their ability to work and earn an income, to family and friends who may be forced to self-isolate. Like many, I have been in awe of our NHS staff, who are working tirelessly to provide…

Bridget Phillipson MP: Long term funding is the only way to get us back on track

Our region is home to some incredible heritage – from the stunning Penshaw Monument, to the beautiful Victoria Viaduct, running from my constituency, over the River Wear into Washington. Those with longer memories will remember the days when trains passed over the viaduct along the Leamside Line, a rail corridor…

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