17/02/2013 Sunday Politics East Midlands

In the East Midlands: Investigations In the East Midlands: Investigations

In the East Midlands: Investigations In the East Midlands: Investigations

over high death rates at two of our over high death rates at two of our

over high death rates at two of our hospital trusts. We ask the junior

hospital trusts. We ask the junior hospital trusts. We ask the junior

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 2131 seconds

of a high death rates at two of our of a high death rates at two of our

of a high death rates at two of our hospital trusts. We ask the junior

hospital trusts. We ask the junior hospital trusts. We ask the junior

health minister what is going on. health minister what is going on.

health minister what is going on. health minister what is going on.

What has Windsor done to upset the What has Windsor done to upset the

What has Windsor done to upset the later -- Labour leadership of

Nottingham council? Nottingham council?

Nottingham council? I Marie Ashby. Joining me, Alice

I Marie Ashby. Joining me, Alice I Marie Ashby. Joining me, Alice

soubrette and Labour MP for Derby soubrette and Labour MP for Derby

North, Chris Williamson. North, Chris Williamson.

North, Chris Williamson. North, Chris Williamson.

Let's start with health and the news Let's start with health and the news

Let's start with health and the news Let's start with health and the news

that in the wake of the enquiry into that in the wake of the enquiry into

that in the wake of the enquiry into Stafford Hospital, two of our health

Stafford Hospital, two of our health Stafford Hospital, two of our health

trusts are now under investigation trusts are now under investigation

trusts are now under investigation about high mortality rates. They

about high mortality rates. They have both welcomed the

have both welcomed the have both welcomed the

investigation. It is not the first investigation. It is not the first

investigation. It is not the first time death rates have been called

time death rates have been called time death rates have been called

into question. Last year, the into question. Last year, the

independent health watchdog Dr independent health watchdog Dr

Foster said further investigation Foster said further investigation

Foster said further investigation was needed at King's Mill Hospital.

was needed at King's Mill Hospital. was needed at King's Mill Hospital.

14 trusts around the country. They 14 trusts around the country. They

14 trusts around the country. They are being investigated. Two are in

are being investigated. Two are in are being investigated. Two are in

are being investigated. Two are in the East Midlands. What are you, as

the East Midlands. What are you, as the East Midlands. What are you, as

a junior health minister, doing a junior health minister, doing

a junior health minister, doing a junior health minister, doing

about it? It is what we as a about it? It is what we as a

about it? It is what we as a Government and the other bodies that

Government and the other bodies that Government and the other bodies that

Government and the other bodies that are involved are doing about it.

are involved are doing about it. are involved are doing about it.

are involved are doing about it. know on the back of the Francis

know on the back of the Francis know on the back of the Francis

report that what happened in mid report that what happened in mid

Staffordshire was an appalling, Staffordshire was an appalling,

Staffordshire was an appalling, long-term problem that they had,

long-term problem that they had, long-term problem that they had,

spanning from 2006 onwards. We know spanning from 2006 onwards. We know

spanning from 2006 onwards. We know spanning from 2006 onwards. We know

there was a complete failing in the there was a complete failing in the

there was a complete failing in the there was a complete failing in the

level of care at that hospital. It level of care at that hospital. It

level of care at that hospital. It was something that should never

was something that should never was something that should never

was something that should never happen again and we know that one of

happen again and we know that one of happen again and we know that one of

the reasons that happened was the reasons that happened was

the reasons that happened was because of a relentless pursuit of

because of a relentless pursuit of because of a relentless pursuit of

because of a relentless pursuit of targets. What we have done is said,

targets. What we have done is said, targets. What we have done is said,

targets. What we have done is said, let's now look at all the mortality

let's now look at all the mortality let's now look at all the mortality

let's now look at all the mortality rates of all the hospitals. If we

rates of all the hospitals. If we rates of all the hospitals. If we

think there is a need to think there is a need to

think there is a need to investigate, let's do that. King's

investigate, let's do that. King's investigate, let's do that. King's

Mill Hospital welcomes it. The Mill Hospital welcomes it. The

Mill Hospital welcomes it. The conclusion at Stafford is that

conclusion at Stafford is that conclusion at Stafford is that

people were dying who could easily people were dying who could easily

people were dying who could easily people were dying who could easily

have been saved. Is this is what -- have been saved. Is this is what --

have been saved. Is this is what -- have been saved. Is this is what --

is thus what is happening at these is thus what is happening at these

is thus what is happening at these is thus what is happening at these

trusts? We have to put this into trusts? We have to put this into

trusts? We have to put this into proportion. We have two hospital

proportion. We have two hospital proportion. We have two hospital

proportion. We have two hospital trusts that wants to do the best and

trusts that wants to do the best and trusts that wants to do the best and

I want to believe that mid I want to believe that mid

I want to believe that mid Staffordshire was a 1-off and that

Staffordshire was a 1-off and that Staffordshire was a 1-off and that

Staffordshire was a 1-off and that is what we will all hope and pray

is what we will all hope and pray is what we will all hope and pray

for. It was an appalling situation for. It was an appalling situation

for. It was an appalling situation for. It was an appalling situation

that went on for years. One of the that went on for years. One of the

that went on for years. One of the that went on for years. One of the

things that has come out from this things that has come out from this

things that has come out from this things that has come out from this

report is that when people do have report is that when people do have

report is that when people do have concerns, they have to be listened

concerns, they have to be listened concerns, they have to be listened

to. My constituents often write to to. My constituents often write to

to. My constituents often write to to. My constituents often write to

to. My constituents often write to me and I and other MPs took up the

me and I and other MPs took up the concerns about the ambulance

concerns about the ambulance concerns about the ambulance

service... Will scrutiny make any service... Will scrutiny make any

service... Will scrutiny make any service... Will scrutiny make any

difference? Do you think it well? I difference? Do you think it well? I

difference? Do you think it well? I difference? Do you think it well? I

hope it well and I think Anna is hope it well and I think Anna is

hope it well and I think Anna is being simplistic when she says it

being simplistic when she says it being simplistic when she says it

was a relentless pursuit of targets. was a relentless pursuit of targets.

was a relentless pursuit of targets. was a relentless pursuit of targets.

Very simplistic to put the blame on Very simplistic to put the blame on

setting targets. Targets are setting targets. Targets are

setting targets. Targets are important. It is important we ensure

important. It is important we ensure important. It is important we ensure

that people get the treatment they that people get the treatment they

that people get the treatment they need within a certain time. Before

need within a certain time. Before need within a certain time. Before

need within a certain time. Before Labour came to power in 1997, people

Labour came to power in 1997, people Labour came to power in 1997, people

were waiting for sometimes two years were waiting for sometimes two years

were waiting for sometimes two years on the waiting list and sometimes

on the waiting list and sometimes on the waiting list and sometimes

they were dying before they got they were dying before they got

treatment. These things also treatment. These things also

treatment. These things also happened under Labour. You brought

happened under Labour. You brought happened under Labour. You brought

the issue of targets in. Francis the issue of targets in. Francis

the issue of targets in. Francis the issue of targets in. Francis

said there were a number of very said there were a number of very

said there were a number of very important factors. One was the

important factors. One was the important factors. One was the

relentless pursuit of targets and relentless pursuit of targets and

relentless pursuit of targets and another was the need to make

another was the need to make savings, pursuing foundation trust

savings, pursuing foundation trust savings, pursuing foundation trust

savings, pursuing foundation trust and not putting patient care at the

and not putting patient care at the and not putting patient care at the

front. The important thing is that front. The important thing is that

front. The important thing is that front. The important thing is that

we get to the bottom of precisely we get to the bottom of precisely

we get to the bottom of precisely why these mortality rates are higher

why these mortality rates are higher why these mortality rates are higher

in certain hospitals than others. It in certain hospitals than others. It

in certain hospitals than others. It is essential that full cooperation

is essential that full cooperation is essential that full cooperation

is given to that investigation and is given to that investigation and

is given to that investigation and is given to that investigation and

that steps are taken by Anna and her that steps are taken by Anna and her

that steps are taken by Anna and her colleagues to make sure that any

colleagues to make sure that any colleagues to make sure that any

lessons needed to be learned I lessons needed to be learned I

learned and the investment learned and the investment

required... Sherwood hospital trusts required... Sherwood hospital trusts

required... Sherwood hospital trusts say they have appointed a dedicated

say they have appointed a dedicated say they have appointed a dedicated

doctor to deal with mortality rates doctor to deal with mortality rates

doctor to deal with mortality rates and are confident nothing has gone

and are confident nothing has gone and are confident nothing has gone

fundamentally wrong. That is what fundamentally wrong. That is what

fundamentally wrong. That is what fundamentally wrong. That is what

they are telling us and we hope they they are telling us and we hope they

they are telling us and we hope they are right. King's Mill Hospital has

are right. King's Mill Hospital has are right. King's Mill Hospital has

are right. King's Mill Hospital has a number of problems. They are a PFI

a number of problems. They are a PFI a number of problems. They are a PFI

hospital. They almost went bust last hospital. They almost went bust last

hospital. They almost went bust last hospital. They almost went bust last

year. That is one problem with PFI year. That is one problem with PFI

year. That is one problem with PFI hospitals. In London, to PFI

hospitals. In London, to PFI hospitals. In London, to PFI

hospitals. In London, to PFI hospitals, we have had to bail them

hospitals, we have had to bail them hospitals, we have had to bail them

hospitals, we have had to bail them out. Not all of them have gone

out. Not all of them have gone out. Not all of them have gone

out. Not all of them have gone badly. Let's move on. What is the

badly. Let's move on. What is the difference between Nottingham and

difference between Nottingham and difference between Nottingham and

difference between Nottingham and Windsor? Quite a lot. They both have

Windsor? Quite a lot. They both have Windsor? Quite a lot. They both have

a castle, but assimilate -- a castle, but assimilate --

a castle, but assimilate -- similarities end there. The council

similarities end there. The council similarities end there. The council

say the most important difference is say the most important difference is

say the most important difference is say the most important difference is

a matter of �143, which is what it a matter of �143, which is what it

a matter of �143, which is what it is losing in funding compared with

is losing in funding compared with is losing in funding compared with

is losing in funding compared with Windsor. It is running a campaign --

Windsor. It is running a campaign -- Windsor. It is running a campaign --

campaign to highlight the issue. campaign to highlight the issue.

campaign to highlight the issue. campaign to highlight the issue.

Nobody likes to be a loser, but this Nobody likes to be a loser, but this

Nobody likes to be a loser, but this poster in Nottingham and on sites

poster in Nottingham and on sites poster in Nottingham and on sites

around the city claims its people around the city claims its people

around the city claims its people around the city claims its people

are losing out big time. It is a are losing out big time. It is a

hard-hitting political message from hard-hitting political message from

Nottingham's leader leadership. The Nottingham's leader leadership. The

Nottingham's leader leadership. The poster is suggesting that each

poster is suggesting that each poster is suggesting that each

citizen in Nottingham is being citizen in Nottingham is being

citizen in Nottingham is being shortchanged by �143. That is

shortchanged by �143. That is shortchanged by �143. That is

compared to the scale of Government compared to the scale of Government

compared to the scale of Government compared to the scale of Government

cuts in this city to those in Tory cuts in this city to those in Tory

cuts in this city to those in Tory controlled Windsor. How come? We

controlled Windsor. How come? We controlled Windsor. How come? We

controlled Windsor. How come? We could have picked a number of other

could have picked a number of other could have picked a number of other

could have picked a number of other authorities, but at the end of the

authorities, but at the end of the authorities, but at the end of the

authorities, but at the end of the day it was about trying to pick

day it was about trying to pick another authority responsible for

another authority responsible for another authority responsible for

all services. Is that criticism all services. Is that criticism

all services. Is that criticism all services. Is that criticism

fair? I've come to Windsor, or at fair? I've come to Windsor, or at

fair? I've come to Windsor, or at the Royal Borough of Windsor and

the Royal Borough of Windsor and the Royal Borough of Windsor and

Maidenhead -- Windsor and Maidenhead Maidenhead -- Windsor and Maidenhead

Maidenhead -- Windsor and Maidenhead Maidenhead -- Windsor and Maidenhead

to find out. Its leaders carries a to find out. Its leaders carries a

to find out. Its leaders carries a plan. His politics were shaped by

plan. His politics were shaped by his Leicestershire upbringing.

his Leicestershire upbringing. his Leicestershire upbringing.

Together with his finance -- finance Together with his finance -- finance

Together with his finance -- finance chief, they have transferred their

chief, they have transferred their chief, they have transferred their

-- transformed their Royal Borough -- transformed their Royal Borough

-- transformed their Royal Borough -- transformed their Royal Borough

into a Tory council. We are looking into a Tory council. We are looking

into a Tory council. We are looking into a Tory council. We are looking

to add a new library facility onto to add a new library facility onto

to add a new library facility onto the other side. They took control

the other side. They took control the other side. They took control

from Liberal Democrats in 2007. from Liberal Democrats in 2007.

from Liberal Democrats in 2007. from Liberal Democrats in 2007.

Their bigger plan is to show that Their bigger plan is to show that

Their bigger plan is to show that services can be improved while

services can be improved while services can be improved while

services can be improved while council tax is cut. How did they

council tax is cut. How did they react to Nottingham's poster

react to Nottingham's poster politics? Nottingham is complaining

politics? Nottingham is complaining politics? Nottingham is complaining

politics? Nottingham is complaining about losing money. You look at it

about losing money. You look at it around a premiership footballer,

around a premiership footballer, around a premiership footballer,

around a premiership footballer, saying he is losing more money than

saying he is losing more money than saying he is losing more money than

a first division footballer. They a first division footballer. They

a first division footballer. They are not comparing like with like.

are not comparing like with like. are not comparing like with like.

Compared to Nottingham, our council Compared to Nottingham, our council

Compared to Nottingham, our council Compared to Nottingham, our council

tax is 256 -- �250 cheaper. That is tax is 256 -- �250 cheaper. That is

tax is 256 -- �250 cheaper. That is tax is 256 -- �250 cheaper. That is

a lot of money for residents. There a lot of money for residents. There

a lot of money for residents. There a lot of money for residents. There

appears to be a lot of money around. appears to be a lot of money around.

appears to be a lot of money around. The borough, 21 miles west of

The borough, 21 miles west of The borough, 21 miles west of

London, has half the population of London, has half the population of

London, has half the population of Nottingham. It has the sense of

Nottingham. It has the sense of Nottingham. It has the sense of

affluence, but also much bigger affluence, but also much bigger

affluence, but also much bigger housing costs. We are not the

housing costs. We are not the housing costs. We are not the

housing costs. We are not the poorest borough in the land, but we

poorest borough in the land, but we poorest borough in the land, but we

do have pockets of deprivation and do have pockets of deprivation and

do have pockets of deprivation and services to provide. We have very

services to provide. We have very little money from central

little money from central little money from central

Government. Take council tax, it is Government. Take council tax, it is

Government. Take council tax, it is Government. Take council tax, it is

going up again in Nottingham, but in going up again in Nottingham, but in

going up again in Nottingham, but in going up again in Nottingham, but in

going up again in Nottingham, but in Windsor there is to be a 3% cut from

Windsor there is to be a 3% cut from Windsor there is to be a 3% cut from

April. There has been a year-on-year April. There has been a year-on-year

April. There has been a year-on-year reduction. Since 2010, council tax

reduction. Since 2010, council tax reduction. Since 2010, council tax

reduction. Since 2010, council tax is now 11.6% is less and that means,

is now 11.6% is less and that means, is now 11.6% is less and that means,

is now 11.6% is less and that means, for an average band D house, an

for an average band D house, an for an average band D house, an

annual savings of almost �91. We annual savings of almost �91. We

annual savings of almost �91. We don't carry overheads like trade

don't carry overheads like trade union officials, like Nottingham,

union officials, like Nottingham, union officials, like Nottingham,

with those posters, have 27 full with those posters, have 27 full

with those posters, have 27 full timers. We invest in frontline

timers. We invest in frontline timers. We invest in frontline

timers. We invest in frontline services, but there is a myriad of

services, but there is a myriad of services, but there is a myriad of

things we have done locally to things we have done locally to

things we have done locally to reduce council tax. We no longer

reduce council tax. We no longer reduce council tax. We no longer

have a chief executive. In have a chief executive. In

Nottingham, including pension Nottingham, including pension

Nottingham, including pension benefits, that is about �220,000.

benefits, that is about �220,000. benefits, that is about �220,000.

Could some of that thinking flow Could some of that thinking flow

Could some of that thinking flow Could some of that thinking flow

easily from the Thames to the River easily from the Thames to the River

easily from the Thames to the River Trent? We have made something like

Trent? We have made something like Trent? We have made something like

120 million pounds of savings over 120 million pounds of savings over

120 million pounds of savings over 120 million pounds of savings over

the last three or four years. the last three or four years.

the last three or four years. has been about efficiency and when

has been about efficiency and when has been about efficiency and when

has been about efficiency and when you look at the list of suggested

you look at the list of suggested you look at the list of suggested

ways of running local Government ways of running local Government

ways of running local Government efficiently, we were doing pretty

efficiently, we were doing pretty efficiently, we were doing pretty

efficiently, we were doing pretty well. They don't go in for poster

well. They don't go in for poster well. They don't go in for poster

politics in Windsor. In Nottingham, politics in Windsor. In Nottingham,

politics in Windsor. In Nottingham, this poster is being replaced by

this poster is being replaced by this poster is being replaced by

another. Labour's next target is the another. Labour's next target is the

another. Labour's next target is the benefits changes. This campaign has

benefits changes. This campaign has cost Nottingham taxpayers �3000.

cost Nottingham taxpayers �3000. cost Nottingham taxpayers �3000.

This council is complaining it does This council is complaining it does

This council is complaining it does This council is complaining it does

not have enough money, but it has not have enough money, but it has

not have enough money, but it has enough to spend on this campaign.

enough to spend on this campaign. enough to spend on this campaign.

The Government is being grotesquely The Government is being grotesquely

unfair to authorities like unfair to authorities like

Nottingham and many authorities Nottingham and many authorities

Nottingham and many authorities throughout the Midlands and the

throughout the Midlands and the throughout the Midlands and the

North and authorities in the South, North and authorities in the South,

North and authorities in the South, they have the greatest levels of

they have the greatest levels of they have the greatest levels of

need and deprivation. It is very need and deprivation. It is very

need and deprivation. It is very clear that we are saying

clear that we are saying politicisation of the distribution

politicisation of the distribution politicisation of the distribution

of funding by central Government. It of funding by central Government. It

of funding by central Government. It seems those areas which are

seems those areas which are dominantly Conservative control have

dominantly Conservative control have dominantly Conservative control have

dominantly Conservative control have been given a far better deal than

been given a far better deal than been given a far better deal than

places like Nottingham. When you places like Nottingham. When you

places like Nottingham. When you places like Nottingham. When you

look at Nottingham and compare it to look at Nottingham and compare it to

look at Nottingham and compare it to Windsor, the degree of unemployment,

Windsor, the degree of unemployment, deprivation, child protection issues

deprivation, child protection issues deprivation, child protection issues

deprivation, child protection issues and a range of other very difficult

and a range of other very difficult and a range of other very difficult

problems that Nottingham has... You problems that Nottingham has... You

problems that Nottingham has... You problems that Nottingham has... You

say it is not a fair comparison? say it is not a fair comparison?

say it is not a fair comparison? say it is not a fair comparison?

point they are making is the needs point they are making is the needs

of Nottingham are considerably of Nottingham are considerably

of Nottingham are considerably greater than they are in Windsor.

greater than they are in Windsor. greater than they are in Windsor.

Nottingham is getting a far bigger Nottingham is getting a far bigger

Nottingham is getting a far bigger funding reduction than Windsor and

funding reduction than Windsor and funding reduction than Windsor and

Maidenhead. It isn't. What's your Maidenhead. It isn't. What's your

Maidenhead. It isn't. What's your Maidenhead. It isn't. What's your

film and Chris have not said is that film and Chris have not said is that

film and Chris have not said is that Nottingham, next year per dwelling

Nottingham, next year per dwelling Nottingham, next year per dwelling

from the Government, will receive from the Government, will receive

from the Government, will receive 2200 and something pounds.

2200 and something pounds. 2200 and something pounds.

Windsor, they will receive �1500. Windsor, they will receive �1500.

Windsor, they will receive �1500. The reduction in Windsor is

The reduction in Windsor is The reduction in Windsor is

considerably more than the reduction considerably more than the reduction

considerably more than the reduction in Nottingham, which is less than

in Nottingham, which is less than in Nottingham, which is less than

in Nottingham, which is less than 1%. You are seeing these figures are

1%. You are seeing these figures are 1%. You are seeing these figures are

wrong? I have the right figures wrong? I have the right figures

wrong? I have the right figures wrong? I have the right figures

here. I don't know where they have here. I don't know where they have

here. I don't know where they have here. I don't know where they have

got that. They work it out per got that. They work it out per

got that. They work it out per person and the Government, under a

person and the Government, under a formula established... Nottingham

formula established... Nottingham formula established... Nottingham

has more services to provide two has more services to provide two

has more services to provide two more vulnerable people on benefits.

more vulnerable people on benefits. more vulnerable people on benefits.

more vulnerable people on benefits. That is why Nottingham is getting so

That is why Nottingham is getting so That is why Nottingham is getting so

much more money than Windsor per much more money than Windsor per

much more money than Windsor per dwelling. You want to know where

dwelling. You want to know where dwelling. You want to know where

these figures have come from. these figures have come from.

these figures have come from. Newcastle City Council have done

Newcastle City Council have done Newcastle City Council have done

this research. They have been this research. They have been

this research. They have been dividing it by... They say it

dividing it by... They say it dividing it by... They say it

favours the South. It isn't one favours the South. It isn't one

favours the South. It isn't one favours the South. It isn't one

looking at how we pay out the money, looking at how we pay out the money,

looking at how we pay out the money, looking at how we pay out the money,

per dwelling. It is not looking at per dwelling. It is not looking at

per dwelling. It is not looking at what the Government is doing. The

what the Government is doing. The what the Government is doing. The

Government is giving each dwelling Government is giving each dwelling

Government is giving each dwelling Government is giving each dwelling

in Nottingham... Anna is an MP from in Nottingham... Anna is an MP from

Nottinghamshire, who seems quite Nottinghamshire, who seems quite

Nottinghamshire, who seems quite happy to allow Nottingham citizens

happy to allow Nottingham citizens happy to allow Nottingham citizens

happy to allow Nottingham citizens to get a less good deal than people

to get a less good deal than people to get a less good deal than people

to get a less good deal than people in the South. I don't know how you

in the South. I don't know how you in the South. I don't know how you

in the South. I don't know how you can argue it is a better deal when

can argue it is a better deal when can argue it is a better deal when

the cuts in places like Nottingham the cuts in places like Nottingham

the cuts in places like Nottingham are considerably greater than they

are considerably greater than they are considerably greater than they

are considerably greater than they are in more affluent parts of the

are in more affluent parts of the are in more affluent parts of the

country. When George Osborne and country. When George Osborne and

country. When George Osborne and country. When George Osborne and

David Cameron and Anna says we are David Cameron and Anna says we are

David Cameron and Anna says we are David Cameron and Anna says we are

all in it together, it is an odd all in it together, it is an odd

all in it together, it is an odd definition when the people who are

definition when the people who are definition when the people who are

bearing the biggest burden are the bearing the biggest burden are the

bearing the biggest burden are the poorest people. What do you say

poorest people. What do you say poorest people. What do you say

about Anna's figures? These are the about Anna's figures? These are the

about Anna's figures? These are the proper figures. The Government talk

proper figures. The Government talk proper figures. The Government talk

about her household because it looks about her household because it looks

about her household because it looks better. They have changed the way

better. They have changed the way better. They have changed the way

they calculate it for that purpose. they calculate it for that purpose.

they calculate it for that purpose. When you also compare this... Not

When you also compare this... Not When you also compare this... Not

When you also compare this... Not only are they making these cuts to

only are they making these cuts to only are they making these cuts to

Nottingham City Council... There are Nottingham City Council... There are

Nottingham City Council... There are Nottingham City Council... There are

more cuts to come. Let's make one more cuts to come. Let's make one

more cuts to come. Let's make one thing clear. For every �8 this

thing clear. For every �8 this Government cuts, your Government

Government cuts, your Government Government cuts, your Government

Government cuts, your Government would have got �7. You will restore

would have got �7. You will restore would have got �7. You will restore

would have got �7. You will restore all these cuts, will you? You cannot

all these cuts, will you? You cannot all these cuts, will you? You cannot

all these cuts, will you? You cannot argue with the fact, Anna, that the

argue with the fact, Anna, that the argue with the fact, Anna, that the

way your Government is divvying up way your Government is divvying up

way your Government is divvying up way your Government is divvying up

the funding... We have to leave that the funding... We have to leave that

the funding... We have to leave that there. Will Labour restore the cuts?

there. Will Labour restore the cuts? there. Will Labour restore the cuts?

there. Will Labour restore the cuts? Quick answer. We make sure we will

Quick answer. We make sure we will Quick answer. We make sure we will

distribute the funds on a fair distribute the funds on a fair

distribute the funds on a fair basis. We will publish our manifesto

basis. We will publish our manifesto basis. We will publish our manifesto

when a general election is called. when a general election is called.

when a general election is called. when a general election is called.

Once upon a time we were famous in Once upon a time we were famous in

Once upon a time we were famous in the East Midlands via our

the East Midlands via our manufacturing strength, but as

manufacturing strength, but as industries like textiles and

industries like textiles and industries like textiles and

knitwear have moved abroad, it has knitwear have moved abroad, it has

knitwear have moved abroad, it has been slowly declining. Are there

been slowly declining. Are there been slowly declining. Are there

signs of life? Mark Spencer thinks signs of life? Mark Spencer thinks

signs of life? Mark Spencer thinks so. He held a Westminster Hall

so. He held a Westminster Hall so. He held a Westminster Hall

debate on the strength of our debate on the strength of our

debate on the strength of our manufacturing sector and what it can

manufacturing sector and what it can manufacturing sector and what it can

offer future investors. The message offer future investors. The message

offer future investors. The message offer future investors. The message

of this debate, I hope, will be that of this debate, I hope, will be that

of this debate, I hope, will be that of this debate, I hope, will be that

within the East Midlands we are very within the East Midlands we are very

much open for business. much open for business.

much open for business. much open for business.

If you are a manufacturer of any If you are a manufacturer of any

If you are a manufacturer of any sort and you are looking for

sort and you are looking for sort and you are looking for

somewhere to relocate, the East somewhere to relocate, the East

somewhere to relocate, the East somewhere to relocate, the East

Midlands is the ideal place to do Midlands is the ideal place to do

Midlands is the ideal place to do Midlands is the ideal place to do

that. We would welcome you with open arms.

arms. arms.

Chris, you were there. He spoke Chris, you were there. He spoke

Chris, you were there. He spoke passionately. Should we be making

passionately. Should we be making more of our manufacturing?

more of our manufacturing? Manufacturing is absolutely

Manufacturing is absolutely Manufacturing is absolutely

essential to British economy. When essential to British economy. When

essential to British economy. When David Cameron brought his cabinet to

David Cameron brought his cabinet to David Cameron brought his cabinet to

David Cameron brought his cabinet to Derby in March 2011, to make that

Derby in March 2011, to make that Derby in March 2011, to make that

point about rebalancing the economy point about rebalancing the economy

point about rebalancing the economy point about rebalancing the economy

, the action that has followed has , the action that has followed has

, the action that has followed has , the action that has followed has

not... We so the decision on the not... We so the decision on the

not... We so the decision on the Thames Link programme going to

Thames Link programme going to Thames Link programme going to

Siemens to build the trains in Siemens to build the trains in

Germany. Can manufacturing leaders Germany. Can manufacturing leaders

Germany. Can manufacturing leaders Germany. Can manufacturing leaders

on the road to recovery? Yes. Mark on the road to recovery? Yes. Mark

on the road to recovery? Yes. Mark speaks about the small and medium

speaks about the small and medium speaks about the small and medium

businesses. What I think is businesses. What I think is

businesses. What I think is businesses. What I think is

important is the amount of money we important is the amount of money we

important is the amount of money we have invested in our infrastructure

have invested in our infrastructure have invested in our infrastructure

have invested in our infrastructure in the East Midlands. We have the

in the East Midlands. We have the electrification of the Midland

electrification of the Midland electrification of the Midland

mainline, we have the dualling of mainline, we have the dualling of

mainline, we have the dualling of the 8453, the tramp in Nottingham.

the 8453, the tramp in Nottingham. the 8453, the tramp in Nottingham.

the 8453, the tramp in Nottingham. -- A453. And the enterprise zone in

-- A453. And the enterprise zone in -- A453. And the enterprise zone in

Nottingham. Let's find out what Nottingham. Let's find out what

Nottingham. Let's find out what manufacturers want. We have visited

manufacturers want. We have visited one forwardthinking company in

one forwardthinking company in one forwardthinking company in

Market Harborough. Sheridan & Co has Market Harborough. Sheridan & Co has

Market Harborough. Sheridan & Co has Market Harborough. Sheridan & Co has

offices in new lock -- New York and offices in new lock -- New York and

offices in new lock -- New York and Shanghai and believes the heritage

Shanghai and believes the heritage Shanghai and believes the heritage

of East Midlands manufacturing is of East Midlands manufacturing is

of East Midlands manufacturing is of East Midlands manufacturing is

vital to its global success. Here is vital to its global success. Here is

vital to its global success. Here is what the workforce thing. I think

what the workforce thing. I think what the workforce thing. I think

manufacturing is one of the most manufacturing is one of the most

manufacturing is one of the most important things to do with England.

important things to do with England. important things to do with England.

The heritage of manufacturing from The heritage of manufacturing from

The heritage of manufacturing from the industrial Revolution to now, we

the industrial Revolution to now, we the industrial Revolution to now, we

offer good quality material and offer good quality material and

offer good quality material and products. It is something that is

products. It is something that is products. It is something that is

really important to the country and really important to the country and

really important to the country and really important to the country and

the people that live in it. I am the people that live in it. I am

the people that live in it. I am the people that live in it. I am

the people that live in it. I am glad I am in a job at the moment.

glad I am in a job at the moment. glad I am in a job at the moment.

glad I am in a job at the moment. used to have 13 people working here.

used to have 13 people working here. used to have 13 people working here.

used to have 13 people working here. Now we have five in the workshop.

Now we have five in the workshop. Now we have five in the workshop.

Now we have five in the workshop. You do worry. When you hear about

You do worry. When you hear about other companies struggling, you

other companies struggling, you other companies struggling, you

other companies struggling, you worry. We seem to be going OK, but

worry. We seem to be going OK, but worry. We seem to be going OK, but

worry. We seem to be going OK, but you don't know what is around the

you don't know what is around the you don't know what is around the

corner. Michael Sheridan, you either corner. Michael Sheridan, you either

corner. Michael Sheridan, you either founder and chairman of Sheridan &

What do you want from the What do you want from the

What do you want from the What do you want from the

politicians in front of you? I think politicians in front of you? I think

politicians in front of you? I think politicians in front of you? I think

what we need to see is more interest what we need to see is more interest

from manufacturers particularly. from manufacturers particularly.

from manufacturers particularly. from manufacturers particularly.

There needs to be more of an There needs to be more of an

There needs to be more of an emphasis on funding for businesses

emphasis on funding for businesses emphasis on funding for businesses

that are prefer batterer prepared to that are prefer batterer prepared to

that are prefer batterer prepared to that are prefer batterer prepared to

get business is from the UK and get business is from the UK and

get business is from the UK and get business is from the UK and

Europe and I'd be interested to know Europe and I'd be interested to know

Europe and I'd be interested to know Europe and I'd be interested to know

what you are thinking about in the what you are thinking about in the

what you are thinking about in the what you are thinking about in the

short to medium term. It is an short to medium term. It is an

short to medium term. It is an important point and concerns most of

important point and concerns most of important point and concerns most of

important point and concerns most of us. We are not seeing the lending...

us. We are not seeing the lending... us. We are not seeing the lending...

us. We are not seeing the lending... It is the facilities as well from

It is the facilities as well from It is the facilities as well from

It is the facilities as well from the banks. What are you going to do

the banks. What are you going to do the banks. What are you going to do

the banks. What are you going to do about it? We cannot tell the banks

about it? We cannot tell the banks about it? We cannot tell the banks

about it? We cannot tell the banks what to do, but we can encourage

what to do, but we can encourage what to do, but we can encourage

what to do, but we can encourage them wildly and make it clear we

them wildly and make it clear we them wildly and make it clear we

them wildly and make it clear we expect to see improvement. We own 8%

expect to see improvement. We own 8% expect to see improvement. We own 8%

expect to see improvement. We own 8% expect to see improvement. We own 8%

of some of them and I think that is of some of them and I think that is

of some of them and I think that is of some of them and I think that is

something we need to see. They need something we need to see. They need

something we need to see. They need something we need to see. They need

to make up for the damage before to make up for the damage before

to make up for the damage before they start that money flowing. In

they start that money flowing. In they start that money flowing. In

they start that money flowing. In terms of exports, one thing that is

terms of exports, one thing that is terms of exports, one thing that is

happening next week, on Monday, the happening next week, on Monday, the

happening next week, on Monday, the Prime Minister goes to India. That

Prime Minister goes to India. That Prime Minister goes to India. That

Prime Minister goes to India. That is taking it by the scruff of the

is taking it by the scruff of the is taking it by the scruff of the

is taking it by the scruff of the neck and going out there. What can

neck and going out there. What can neck and going out there. What can

neck and going out there. What can you say to Michael? We need to make

you say to Michael? We need to make you say to Michael? We need to make

resources available for research and resources available for research and

resources available for research and development. We also need to be

development. We also need to be development. We also need to be

smarter about how we organise our smarter about how we organise our

public sector procurement, very public sector procurement, very

public sector procurement, very often when police forces or other

often when police forces or other often when police forces or other

areas of the public sector with areas of the public sector with

areas of the public sector with vehicles, they often get them from

vehicles, they often get them from vehicles, they often get them from

vehicles, they often get them from overseas. We need to use, where we

overseas. We need to use, where we overseas. We need to use, where we

can, the power of Government can, the power of Government

can, the power of Government spending, whether local or national,

spending, whether local or national, spending, whether local or national,

to support our local industries. You to support our local industries. You

to support our local industries. You have just come back from America.

have just come back from America. have just come back from America.

How different is it doing business How different is it doing business

How different is it doing business How different is it doing business

over there than here? It is more over there than here? It is more

over there than here? It is more immediate. From a Government view

immediate. From a Government view immediate. From a Government view

that to activate capitalists in the that to activate capitalists in the

that to activate capitalists in the state, to support industry by giving

state, to support industry by giving state, to support industry by giving

them tax breaks and incentives to them tax breaks and incentives to

them tax breaks and incentives to them tax breaks and incentives to

get the money back into the system. get the money back into the system.

get the money back into the system. get the money back into the system.

What is slowing it down? We're not What is slowing it down? We're not

What is slowing it down? We're not moving quickly enough in terms of

moving quickly enough in terms of moving quickly enough in terms of

moving quickly enough in terms of that sort of activity. We file for

that sort of activity. We file for that sort of activity. We file for

that sort of activity. We file for patents at the same time in the UK

patents at the same time in the UK patents at the same time in the UK

patents at the same time in the UK patents at the same time in the UK

and Europe and the US. We got the US and Europe and the US. We got the US

and Europe and the US. We got the US patents through 12 months ago. We

patents through 12 months ago. We patents through 12 months ago. We

are still in deliberation with that are still in deliberation with that

are still in deliberation with that are still in deliberation with that

ate here. I can go to the Inland ate here. I can go to the Inland

ate here. I can go to the Inland ate here. I can go to the Inland

Revenue and say I am in the action Revenue and say I am in the action

Revenue and say I am in the action Revenue and say I am in the action

of getting a patents, can I please of getting a patents, can I please

of getting a patents, can I please of getting a patents, can I please

of getting a patents, can I please have some tax break at the end of my

have some tax break at the end of my have some tax break at the end of my

have some tax break at the end of my year? That does not help me on a

year? That does not help me on a year? That does not help me on a

year? That does not help me on a day-to-day basis. I need that IP in

day-to-day basis. I need that IP in day-to-day basis. I need that IP in

day-to-day basis. I need that IP in day-to-day basis. I need that IP in

place so I can go out and talk to place so I can go out and talk to

place so I can go out and talk to businesses about how special that

businesses about how special that businesses about how special that

businesses about how special that is. I think it is the ongoing that

is. I think it is the ongoing that is. I think it is the ongoing that

is imperative. From my own dealings is imperative. From my own dealings

is imperative. From my own dealings is imperative. From my own dealings

as a junior minister, I sit on as a junior minister, I sit on

as a junior minister, I sit on committees where we look at

committees where we look at committees where we look at

regulation. We are working on the regulation. We are working on the

regulation. We are working on the basis that for everyone that comes

basis that for everyone that comes basis that for everyone that comes

basis that for everyone that comes in, we want to going out. I don't

in, we want to going out. I don't in, we want to going out. I don't

in, we want to going out. I don't think -- two going out. I don't

think -- two going out. I don't think -- two going out. I don't

think -- two going out. I don't think we can do anything more. It is

think we can do anything more. It is think we can do anything more. It is

inexcusable. I will take that point inexcusable. I will take that point

inexcusable. I will take that point inexcusable. I will take that point

back and I hope you raise it with back and I hope you raise it with

back and I hope you raise it with back and I hope you raise it with

your MP. There is too much of a your MP. There is too much of a

fixation with the financial fixation with the financial

fixation with the financial fixation with the financial

services. They put too many eggs in services. They put too many eggs in

services. They put too many eggs in the financial services basket. The

the financial services basket. The industrialisation in early 1980s,

industrialisation in early 1980s, industrialisation in early 1980s,

industrialisation in early 1980s, whilst it was an engine for economic

whilst it was an engine for economic whilst it was an engine for economic

growth, it didn't build any growth, it didn't build any

growth, it didn't build any resilience into the economy. When

resilience into the economy. When resilience into the economy. When

the worldwide downturn arrives, we the worldwide downturn arrives, we

the worldwide downturn arrives, we the worldwide downturn arrives, we

were overly exposed and if we had were overly exposed and if we had

were overly exposed and if we had followed the German model, maybe we

followed the German model, maybe we followed the German model, maybe we

would have been more resilient. would have been more resilient.

would have been more resilient. Maybe the Government should put more

Maybe the Government should put more Maybe the Government should put more

pressure on the banks. There are pressure on the banks. There are

pressure on the banks. There are pressure on the banks. There are

fantastic things about the UK that I fantastic things about the UK that I

fantastic things about the UK that I fantastic things about the UK that I

would like to comment on. We work a would like to comment on. We work a

would like to comment on. We work a lot with Leicester University and

lot with Leicester University and lot with Leicester University and

have come up with a replacement have come up with a replacement

have come up with a replacement material for MDF which is a

material for MDF which is a fantastic development which will

fantastic development which will fantastic development which will

help us differentiate, certainly in help us differentiate, certainly in

help us differentiate, certainly in the shop fitting context, and we

the shop fitting context, and we the shop fitting context, and we

have done that with very little have done that with very little

have done that with very little funding. We have done that through

funding. We have done that through funding. We have done that through

determination. We could have had determination. We could have had

determination. We could have had determination. We could have had

that product to market six or at that product to market six or at

that product to market six or at that product to market six or at

eight or ten months ago, had there eight or ten months ago, had there

eight or ten months ago, had there been the funding and resources. The

been the funding and resources. The been the funding and resources. The

frustrating thing about the UK is frustrating thing about the UK is

frustrating thing about the UK is that all these great things going

that all these great things going that all these great things going

that all these great things going on, they are great ideas, but people

on, they are great ideas, but people on, they are great ideas, but people

like myself and other businessmen like myself and other businessmen

like myself and other businessmen like myself and other businessmen

are unable to get these things out. are unable to get these things out.

are unable to get these things out. are unable to get these things out.

I go into my office every morning I go into my office every morning

I go into my office every morning I go into my office every morning

I go into my office every morning and say to my team, we must get this

and say to my team, we must get this and say to my team, we must get this

and say to my team, we must get this and say to my team, we must get this

out by the end of today, or the end out by the end of today, or the end

out by the end of today, or the end out by the end of today, or the end

of the week. It is of the barriers of the week. It is of the barriers

of the week. It is of the barriers of the week. It is of the barriers

we face and nothing to do with we face and nothing to do with

we face and nothing to do with ourselves and the great facilities

ourselves and the great facilities ourselves and the great facilities

ourselves and the great facilities we have. What can we do to make

we have. What can we do to make manufacturing have a high

manufacturing have a high manufacturing have a high

importance? It is thinking out of importance? It is thinking out of

importance? It is thinking out of importance? It is thinking out of

the box and moving things on more the box and moving things on more

the box and moving things on more quickly and realising we cannot do

quickly and realising we cannot do quickly and realising we cannot do

things in the way we have things in the way we have

things in the way we have traditionally done it. We need to

traditionally done it. We need to traditionally done it. We need to

traditionally done it. We need to wake up and recognise that it is not

wake up and recognise that it is not wake up and recognise that it is not

just Europe we are in competition just Europe we are in competition

just Europe we are in competition just Europe we are in competition

with, but also when you go to India with, but also when you go to India

with, but also when you go to India with, but also when you go to India

and China... I went to India and one and China... I went to India and one

and China... I went to India and one and China... I went to India and one

and China... I went to India and one of the things I did was look at how

of the things I did was look at how of the things I did was look at how

British businesses working in the British businesses working in the

British businesses working in the healthcare sector can do business

healthcare sector can do business healthcare sector can do business

healthcare sector can do business out there. The Indians think so much

out there. The Indians think so much out there. The Indians think so much

out there. The Indians think so much more freely. They are not as overly

more freely. They are not as overly constrained. There are positive

constrained. There are positive constrained. There are positive

noises from both our MPs. Any noises from both our MPs. Any

noises from both our MPs. Any confidence in that? It is not

confidence in that? It is not confidence in that? It is not

confidence in that? It is not enough. We now need some action. We

enough. We now need some action. We enough. We now need some action. We

have to leave it there. Our have to leave it there. Our

have to leave it there. Our political editor has written a blog

political editor has written a blog political editor has written a blog

about manufacturing in the East about manufacturing in the East

about manufacturing in the East about manufacturing in the East

Midlands on our website. Here he is Midlands on our website. Here he is

with our 60-second round-up. with our 60-second round-up.

with our 60-second round-up. A campaign group dedicated to

A campaign group dedicated to preserving Sherwood Forest has

preserving Sherwood Forest has welcomed the Governmentofficial

welcomed the Governmentofficial welcomed the Governmentofficial

announcement that it has dropped announcement that it has dropped

announcement that it has dropped announcement that it has dropped

plans to sell off much of the plans to sell off much of the

country's woodlands. The save country's woodlands. The save

country's woodlands. The save Sherwood Forest campaign says the

Sherwood Forest campaign says the Sherwood Forest campaign says the

forest still needs more investment. forest still needs more investment.

forest still needs more investment. Labour's MP wants the European

Labour's MP wants the European Labour's MP wants the European

Parliament to tackle the horse meat Parliament to tackle the horse meat

Parliament to tackle the horse meat Parliament to tackle the horse meat

scandal. She says it has revealed a scandal. She says it has revealed a

scandal. She says it has revealed a loophole in European legislation and

loophole in European legislation and loophole in European legislation and

loophole in European legislation and wants the issue looked at by the

wants the issue looked at by the European food safety committee.

European food safety committee. European food safety committee.

Nottingham council has started a Nottingham council has started a

Nottingham council has started a petition against Howells -- housing

petition against Howells -- housing changes including bedroom tax.

changes including bedroom tax. changes including bedroom tax.

People deemed to have more bedrooms People deemed to have more bedrooms

People deemed to have more bedrooms and they need will see benefits

and they need will see benefits and they need will see benefits

reduced. More houses and better rail reduced. More houses and better rail

reduced. More houses and better rail reduced. More houses and better rail

and roads are being called for bad and roads are being called for bad

and roads are being called for bad East Midlands councils. It has

East Midlands councils. It has East Midlands councils. It has

released a wish list including released a wish list including

released a wish list including improved rail links, better road

improved rail links, better road improved rail links, better road

links and investment in the links and investment in the

region's former coalfields. region's former coalfields.

region's former coalfields. region's former coalfields.