The scars left by Margaret Thatcher’s brutal assault on Britain’s industry can still be seen to this day.
Unemployment remains higher than the national average in the former coalfield areas, and there are fewer well-paid, secure jobs. The Tories tore the heart out of these communities and then abandoned them.
Labour will today pledge to address this historic injustice. Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves is promising to create hundreds of thousands of jobs in Britain’s former industrial heartlands, by leveraging money from a new National Wealth Fund.
The state will work with the private sector to boost investment in the steel and car industries, renewable energy and ports. The goal is 650,000 new jobs within five years for plumbers, electricians, engineers and other skilled workers. This is real levelling up.
Where the Tories have failed, Labour are promising to succeed by delivering skilled, secure jobs in the areas that need them most.
End gun curse
The family of Olivia Pratt-Korbel came together in recent days to mark what should have been her 11th birthday.
Olivia’s murder stands as a reminder of the horrific, heartbreaking consequences of gun crime. So it is alarming that three-quarters of police forces have reported a rise in gun offences over the past decade.
The problem has been fuelled by turf wars over drugs between organised crime gangs, and the increased access to illegal weapons.
But not everywhere has suffered a rise in firearm offences. In London, the Metropolitan Police have overseen a reduction in gun crime, by focusing on the gangs behind it. A national strategy could cut offences everywhere.
Sunday best
Dads couldn’t believe their luck yesterday, when England’s Euros opener happened to fall on Father’s Day.
Finally, they had the perfect excuse to ask for peace and quiet to watch the football.