During David Cameron’s interview with Jeremy Paxman on Friday evening he let slip that the Tories wanted to see the government step back from supporting the North East region where Mr. Cameron claims government support is ‘too big’.

However, true to form Mr. Cameron refused to say where the Tory axe would fall.

The public sector here on Teesside provides vital services to local residents – particularly to the most vulnerable in our communities – and employment to over 266,000 people in this region. People will be very concerned about the threat posed by the Conservative Party.

Despite the tough times the Conservatives plan for public services and employment here in Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland your party continues to believe that providing tax cuts for millionaires is a priority.

At this election Labour has made a clear pledge to protect frontline investment in childcare, policing, our schools and our NHS.

This latest admission by Mr. Cameron comes on top of your plans to scrap One North East, our Regional Development Agency, which has helped bring investment to our area and improve the local economy.

Given Mr Cameron’s confirmation that your party will withdraw support for this region can you clarify your parties’ position on the £60m Tees Valley Industrial Programme. As you will be aware £20m has already been spent to protect Teesside jobs and businesses. Will you confirm that the remaining £40m from One North East will be axed by the Conservatives under your plans to cut support to the region this year?

This election gives people here in Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland a chance to have their say on the future of our vital public services.

I offer you the opportunity to distance yourself from David Cameron’s plans to leave areas like ours without the support they need to succeed or, if you do not wish to disassociate yourself, you should spell out exactly which services and funding for Teesside you and your party would cut.

Yours sincerely,

TOM BLENKINSOP
Labour’s Candidate for Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland