WARRINGTON South’s new MP Faisal Rashid made his maiden speech in Parliament today- saying he would fight further government austerity.
During his speech he said he would oppose any government plans to reduce or cut emergency services at Warrington Hospital and any further cuts to Local Government spending – with Warrington losing £100m in cuts since 2010.
He said: “I am delighted and honoured to be the new Member of Parliament for Warrington South – my home town.
“On this very proud occasion I give thanks to my parents, my wife Aleeza and all our family for their prayers and support. This is a dream come true.
“I thank all the electors of Warrington South regardless of who they voted for in the General Election. And I thank all my supporters and campaign team for their unstinting work in our victory on June 8th.
“Recent events in England have caused serious loss of lives, tearing families and communities apart.
“Those responsible stand to be utterly condemned. I represent a town that suffered two terrorist attacks in 1993 and I say our nation remains united and we stand together in our determination to ensure that humanitarian and democratic principles prevails.
“My predecessor David Mowat served in Parliament for seven years and for a year as a junior Health Minister.
“As a Councillor and Warrington Mayor I met David frequently. He was steadfast in his support for Warrington, courteous to his constituents and supported many Warrington charities.
“I thank David for his public service and wish him and his wife Nicky all the very best for the future.
“The name Warrington South does not accurately describe my constituency. Warrington South covers both south Warrington and Warrington west and northwest.
“It has excellent communication routes with ready access to the motorways, West Coast mainline, regional railways and Manchester and Liverpool airports.
“My Warrington South constituency is home to the Warrington Wolves nicknamed ‘The Wire’ because the town was once one of the leading producers of steel wire.
“The former RAF Burtonwood site in the north-west part of my constituency was a U.S. Air Force base during World War 2 and in 1948 was the launching point of the famous ‘Berlin Air Lift’. The site, now known as Omega, is in the process of a major re-development kickstarted by Warrington Borough Council.
“Chapelford Village, built on part of the site, has provided new homes. I am extremely proud to serve as a Councillor for this area.
“Today’s theme for the Gracious Speech debate is the economy and jobs.
“The Government’s programme is bereft of measures that will address the harm caused by austerity, growing poverty, educational inequality, homelessness, public services at breaking point, the crisis in social care and more.
“Since 2010 Warrington Council has suffered over £100 million cuts. The Government must stop further cuts to local authorities. I pledge to work with my Council colleagues in their drive to provide high quality services for the people of our town. I am also looking forward to working closely with the honourable member for Warrington North to improve services in our town and tackle the issues that matter to our residents.
“Schools in my constituency are already seriously underfunded.
“A top priority for me will be to oppose any attempts by the Tory Government to downgrade or close any NHS services in Warrington.
“Mr Speaker 1950s born women have had their state retirement age put back three times. This injustice needs addressing in this session of Parliament.
“We have an overstretched police force doing a demanding job often in very dangerous circumstances. Having more front line Police is what will make communities safer. I add my tribute to the bravery of P.C. Keith Palmer who gave his life in protecting Parliament. I send my sincere condolences to his wife and family.
“In my Mayoral year 2016-2017 I launched many community and business initiatives.
“My ‘Breaking the Barriers’ initiative brought main stream religious groups and non faith groups together to work for the common good of Warrington. I commend this initiative to the House as model for promoting community cohesion.
“I used my business and banking experience to create the ‘Circle – The Future’ which aims to make Warrington an entrepreneur’s hub.
“I started the Mayor’s Achievements Awards recognising the work of unsung heroes. I will change this to the Warrington South Achievement Awards and continue to give recognition to people who make a difference in my constituency.
“Just before the 2015 General Election Chancellor Osborne promised Warringtonians free travel over the Mersey Gateway and Runcorn bridges in Halton. This January a Junior Transport Minister broke that promise.
“If it is right to remove the tolls on the Severn Bridge then it is only right that Halton’s bridges should be toll free.
“Mr Speaker, I have stood for public office five times. Each time I promised to serve in the interests of every elector. I am repeating this promise and add I will make Warrington South constituents proud.”
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“I pledge to work with my Council colleagues in their drive to provide high quality services for the people of our town. I am also looking forward to working closely with the honourable member for Warrington North to improve services in our town and tackle the issues that matter to our residents”
Looks like our new MP not only wants to work collegiately with the council but wishes to work collegiately with Helen Jones. Which is just as it should be as we are all one town after all. I hope Helen extends the same courtesy back and can hopefully she can tell us all sometime soon that she too intends to work more positively with her Labour colleagues in the town hall and also with her new parliamentary party colleague, Faisal.