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Proceeding contribution from Chris Williamson (Labour) in the House of Commons on Tuesday, 13 September 2011. It occurred during Opposition day on Opportunities for the Next Generation.


Opportunities for the Next Generation

I am, Madam Deputy Speaker. I am merely pointing out that the Government have not fulfilled their obligations and are thereby denying opportunities for apprenticeships for building the lightweight bogies, the carriages that will run on the Thameslink line. There are opportunities to terminate that contract. I will not go into the detail in case you call me to order, Madam Deputy Speaker, and because I want to finish my contribution shortly. However, I must refer to what the Prime Minister said when he brought his Cabinet to Derby in March. He said:"β€œβ€œThe point of the Cabinet today is to ask one fundamental question: what is it that we can do in government to help the economy to rebalance, to grow and for businesses to start up, to invest and employ people?””" I say to the Prime Minister and to the Government that they should honour the commitment he gave to the people of Derby and the people of this country when he brought his Cabinet there. They should give young people in my city hope for a future in the rail industry, and give our country hope that we can continue to have a rail industry long into the future. If they do not do that, I fear that people in Derby, and across the country, will be denied forever the opportunity to work building trains in the rail industry.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
532 c946-7 
Session
2010-12
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Apprentices Women Housing Education maintenance allowance Higher education Public expenditure Young people VAT Unemployment Future Jobs Fund
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk