A Manchester MP has slammed David Cameron for proclaiming his support for the North on the same day the city council announced further budget cuts.
Lucy Powell said the cuts were a result of the ‘unfair local government finance settlement’ and blasted the Prime Minister for the drop in living standards across the city.
Mr Cameron is set to kick off a two-day tour of the North West later today along with Chancellor George Osborne to declare his long-term economic plan for the region.
Ms Powell said: “David Cameron has a cheek visiting Manchester and proclaiming his support for the North on the same day Manchester City Council is announcing further drastic cuts to their budget as a result of the unfair local government finance settlement.
“Living standards have fallen across Manchester on David Cameron’s watch; since 2010 families in full-time work in the North West are £2202 worse off as prices have risen and wages have fallen.”
The Prime Minister spoke about the ‘Northern powerhouse’ this afternoon in a bid to offer a vision of a country less reliant on the capital.
I’m in Manchester with @George_Osborne, talking about building a #NorthernPowerhouse. pic.twitter.com/f2z5iWgN1N
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) January 8, 2015
However, Mrs Powell said the people of the North will not be ‘fooled’ by Mr Cameron’s ‘weasel words’.
She said: “People will not be fooled by the Prime Minister’s weasel words when the city has paid a heavy price for his failed economic plan.
“Thousands of families have been forced to use foodbanks every month because of policies like the bedroom tax; and the number of people on zero hours contracts have rocketed with people finding it harder and harder to make ends meet.”
People took to Twitter to express their thoughts on the duo’s visit to Manchester.
In Manchester to hear @David_Cameron & @George_Osborne setting out their long term economic plan for the North West pic.twitter.com/9MR4ObF8ki
— Andrew Stephenson MP (@Andrew4Pendle) January 8, 2015
@David_Cameron @George_Osborne Great speech today in Manchester. Lots of emphasis on #apprenticeships and #skills #northernpowerhouse
— NW Skills Academy (@NWSkillsAcademy) January 8, 2015
Yet some who weren’t too pleased with Cameron and Obsborne’s appearances:
@pmphillips Manchester (where I’ve lived) has always seen itself as North! Nought to do with @David_Cameron or @George_Osborne
— Alistair May (@AlistairMay) January 8, 2015
Just saw that @David_Cameron is in Manchester. Sick in my mouth.
— Ilona Burton (@ilonacatherine) January 8, 2015
Image courtesy of World Economic Forum, inset image courtesy of BBC, with thanks
