Easington MP's open letter to PM David Cameron

Jan 1 2012 by James Moore, Sunday Sun

As 2012 arrives, our Cameron Clock - timing how many days it is since Prime Minister David Cameron came to power and hasn't visited Easington - hits 600 days. We launched the clock to highlight how the Government’s cuts were hurting Easington - one of the most deprived places in Britain and a symbol of the forgotten North. Today we publish an open letter written by Easington Labour MP Grahame Morris, to No 10, urging Mr Cameron to bear witness to the scale of the unfolding crisis affecting local families in 2012 and rethink the coalition’s plans.

Dear Mr Cameron,

I represent one of the most deprived areas in the UK which is being hardest hit by a regional recession in the North East.

“The families I represent are having to face the consequences of the worsening economic crisis as they see living costs rise, job losses in the public and private sectors, cuts to local government services as well as significant changes to the financial support from Government relied on by many of my constituents.

“Easington has the highest reliance on incapacity benefit in England and the welfare benefit changes proposed by your Government will impact on Easington more than any other constituency in England.

“Easington has a proud mining tradition and our hardworking communities were the engine that powered the nation through the 20th Century and through two world wars.

“However, that legacy also exists today with long-term illness and disability suffered by former miners and the joblessness which is evident in our local economies as a result of the closure of the coal mines and the difficult transition from a heavy industry-based economy.

“The policies of the coalition Government you lead have major consequences for people living in the communities I represent.

“I would therefore like to invite you to visit Easington in the New Year so you can see for yourself how the communities in my area are faring in these difficult economic times and how affirmative action by Government could have a positive impact on the current situation.”

Grahame Morris MP