Many businesses across the constituency came together this morning to discuss a range of issues affecting the area and put any questions to Philip they wanted answering.
The latest of the regular events was held at Shipley Golf Club and Keighley MP Robbie Moore was the guest speaker. He spoke of the importance of local rail connectivity, Northern Powerhouse Rail, Airedale Hospital and regeneration including government’s Towns Fund – which saw Philip secure £25 million for Shipley. Other areas discussed included the campaign by both Philip and Robbie to create a separate local authority for the Shipley and Keighley parliamentary constituencies to break away from Bradford Council.
Philip said: “It was great to see so many businesses come together. These breakfast meetings are a great way to discuss politics and raise matters of local concern. I also want to thank the golf club for hosting the event again and for Robbie for coming to speak.
“We also spent a lot of time talking about skills and apprenticeships and opportunities on offer across the area for young people. I have always been clear, too many people go to university. There are fantastic opportunities available for young people now with vocational courses, apprenticeships and T levels. I want to see young people across the constituency succeed and flourish in a career they want to be in, not go to university because they feel they have to. Pushing the skills agenda is so important and I know businesses across the constituency offer great schemes and support local young people to build a career.”
Both MPs spoke of the need for a robust plan to be in place for the Airedale Corridor so when appropriate government funding comes up, bids can be submitted.