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Ed Miliband’s alternative Queen’s Speech can help rebuild our economy, says Greater Manchester MP

By Paddy von Behr

Labour’s ‘alternative Queen’s Speech’ can help people cope with the rising cost of living, according to a Tameside MP.

Ed Miliband set out six key economic bills that would appear in the speech next week, outlining One Nation programme ideas to start turning Britain’s economy around.

And the idea has been firmly backed by Andrew Gwynne, Labour MP for Denton and Reddish, who believes the economy needs urgent attention.

“We need an economic programme which can begin rebuilding our economy and help people with rising living cost,” said Mr Gwynne. “Labour’s Alternative Queen’s Speech will help to achieve this.

 “It will really help working families in Denton and Reddish by reintroducing the 10p tax rate, creating more jobs and stops people being ripped off with electricity and gas bills.”

The six primary bills cover a range of economic plans, which Labour believe need swift action, following chancellor George Osborne’s budget speech in March.

The Consumers Bill looks to tackle rip-off energy bills and train fares, while the Housing Bill focuses on action against rogue landlords and high private sector rental fees.

The Jobs Bill, Finance Bill, Banking Bill – backing British businesses – and Immigration Bill – tackling illegal migrant labour – complete the set.

Real wages are down £1,700 since the 2010 general election energy bills having risen by £300.

And Mr Miliband, announcing the measures on Monday, accused the government of having run out of ideas in tackling the country’s economic problems.

“This is a Government dividing, not uniting, our country,” he said.

“This Government’s had its chance. It has failed. Three years of failure: low growth, falling living standards, and more borrowing.

“We need a recovery made by the many, not just a few at the top.

“We need to recognise that the real wealth creators are not just a handful of millionaires but all of you – people who do the hours, put in the shifts, get up early and go home late. 

“Britain needs new ideas rather than just more of the same.”

Picture courtesy of Department of Energy and Climate Change, with thanks.

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