Fylde’s unemployment figures once again highlight how well our local economy is doing.
We have an unemployment rate of 1.8 per cent, as opposed to 3.1 per cent nationally.
I am especially pleased to see the number of young people not in work fall further still.
Given BAE Systems’ decision to create 700 apprenticeships this year, there are plenty of opportunities in future.
As well as improving unemployment news, we are seeing record levels of employment across the country.
There are now 32.53 million in work, some 3.49 million more people than in 2010 and, more importantly, average weekly earnings are up 3.4 per cent compared to a year ago.
There are 428,000 fewer young people out of work – that is almost half the number in 2010 under the last Labour Government. It is still a record of fact that Labour has never reduced unemployment during a term of office – it has only ever increased.
I’m delighted with the new domestic abuse bill put forward by the Government this week.
Victims of domestic abuse will receive a wide range of new protections. Penalties for abusers will be increased and for the first time, will be prevented from cross-examining their victims in family courts.
In the past, victims have been forced to face their abusers in court to sort out matters including the custody of children. This should not happen, and this bill will bring an end to the practice.
No victim should have to face their abuser in such a manner.
This week sees Holocaust Remembrance Day, and there is a service in St Annes.
It is always a moving experience and one which everyone should experience.
Leaders at the Synagogue always include children from schools across the area to ensure the message from the service is understood by generations who are now far removed from the Second World War.
The service always brings those horrors into real perspective for those who take part, giving both an horrendous insight into what happened, as well as giving us all hope for the future.
Brexit rumbles on in the House of Commons. MPs are still debating the best way forward following the defeat of the Prime Minister’s Bill.
Many MPs have met with the Prime Minister for discussions – although the leader of the opposition refuses to even discuss the matter on how to deliver Brexit as mandated by our electorate.
It is clear there are simply still too many differing opinions for consensus to be found. Talks continue.