Prime Minister promises to bring jobs to east Manchester
13 June 2008
The Prime Minister, Gordon Brown has given his personal support and full commitment to delivering jobs to east Manchester.
In a private meeting with the Leader and Deputy Leaders of Manchester City Council he stated that he is keen to accelerate the progress made on a number of significant projects.
A high level ministerial group chaired by Hazel Blears, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, consisting of eight cabinet ministers has been established to co-ordinate the task of further regenerating east Manchester. The group includes the Secretaries of State for Culture, Media and Sport; Innovation, Universities and Skills; Work and Pensions; Transport; Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform; and Health, as well as the Regional Minister for the North-West, the Leader of Manchester City Council and the Chair of the Northwest Regional Development Agency.
The aim of this regeneration taskforce is to help generate an equivalent number of jobs to those that a regional casino could have delivered and to foster greater long-term growth that benefits the people of east Manchester. It will meet every two months to drive the regeneration plans for east Manchester forward.
Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council said: "The City Council will do everything it can to protect the interests of the City and its residents and we are convinced that there is more to be gained for Manchester by working with Government than from confronting them in the court room. As a consequence the City Council will not be pursuing legal action.
"Given everything else going on at the moment, the very fact that the Prime Minister was willing to give us some of his time is a clear indication of his commitment and the importance he places on progressing the projects announced earlier this year. We are very pleased to have his backing but will continue to put pressure on Government to ensure the promises are delivered for the people of east Manchester." Councillor Leese added.
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