GORDON Brown’s Labour Government intervened in the most positive way when the banks were about to be liquidated. Labour took control of Northern Rock, Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds TSB. This was to protect the banking system, ensure wages and mortgages were paid, and industry properly financed and supported.

This is my prime concern. The Tories did not support these vital measures. Why should people in Wyre Forest support them? Many changes have occurred within the economy since 1997. Many traditional industries have been replaced by new industries in electronics and technology, consumer goods, finance, computers, information, retail, tourism – as well as the older ones being further developed with new investment, research and training for employees.

I am an active trade union member of UNITE and have been ever since I was a carpet weaver between 1966 and 1972. Trade Unions are vital to economic recovery because the workforce must be listened to and treated with respect, properly paid and trained for new challenges.

I also want to work with local employers to attract investment into Wyre Forest and to ensure we have the best opportunity to grow as a viable economic area.

The Co-operative movement is important to me – the Co-op shops, their retail and commercial activities. I am a Co-op party member. Fairtrade is something I strongly believe in and advocate.

The world banking crisis shattered the economic wellbeing of many countries. Gordon Brown led worldwide action to combat the recession. He was acknowledged by President Obama as being the key figure. Labour is leading us out of recession.

The Tories opposed every policy for getting the British economy back into growth, and would cut public service jobs.

Remember 1979, the 1980s and the period until 1997? The Tories wrecked the economy, interest rates were 15 per cent and unemployment well over three million, inflation hit 20 per cent.

Wyre Forest needs to attract new investment into jobs and industries. If elected as your MP it would be my prime task to help get that investment. We need higher wages in Wyre Forest, more active apprenticeship schemes, a better link between education, industry and commerce.

Our industries locally have to be Green – environmentally friendly with a low carbon footprint. Gone are the days (as I saw myself) when the River Stour ran yellow, red, blue and green from dye put straight into the water from carpet factories.