Plea to leaders on manufacturing

Jean Simpson asked a question at the final UK prime ministerial TV debate

Future political leaders need to recognise the importance of manufacturing for the future, the Black Country Chamber of Commerce said.

At the final UK prime ministerial TV debate, Jean Simpson, of Smith's Wood, Solihull, asked how leaders proposed rebuilding manufacturing industries.

The University of Birmingham hosted the debate by the three main party leaders.

Peter Mathews, of Black Country Chamber of Commerce, said the UK manufacturing economy was based in the West Midlands.

He added: "We need recognition from our future political leaders of the importance of this sector for the future," he said.

'Very good'

On Friday Ms Simpson said: "I believe that yes, trade with Europe by all means. You need to, but not to let everything go over there and us be the poor relation again.

"We need it for stability for people for working and also for the regeneration of the Midlands."

At the BBC's television debate, Labour leader Gordon Brown said: "I believe biotechnology, and this region is very good at biotechnology as well as advanced manufacturing, can see 100,000 jobs.

"But we as a government are investing with these companies in the equipment they need for the future, so I am optimistic about the future of the British economy and optimistic about this region."

'Make a difference'

Conservative leader David Cameron said: "Let's start with investing in our science base and making sure great universities like this are producing the scientists and entrepreneurs of the future.

"Let's make sure we invest in apprenticeships. So much of the government's training budget is wasted and we say 'let's have an extra 200,000 apprenticeships'.

"That would make a difference. But you can't ignore the basics of actually making it easier for businesses to employ people."

And Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg said: "We need to invest in the kind of things we need in the future anyway - affordable housing, green energy, renewable energy, public transport.

"The kind of things which create jobs for our young people, help manufacturing and create the green infrastructure that I think we need as a country in any event."