North East Lib Dems raise the need for business growth in the region

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 2nd Jun 2010

Lib Dem MP for Berwick-upon-Tweed, Sir Alan Beith, during the first Prime Minister's Questions of the new Parliament, has urged David Cameron to bring forward specific proposals to strengthen the business and private sector in the North East.

Sir Alan Beith said:

"Strengthening the private sector in the North East is essential at a time when cuts in the public sector are bound to have an impact in a region which is very dependent on public sector jobs.

"The Prime Minister has promised not to single out our region when deciding on necessary spending cuts and to bear in mind the need to promote the private sector."

Commenting on the Prime Minister's response on the fate of regional development agencies, North East Lib Dem MEP Fiona Hall added:

"I welcome David Cameron's assurance that development agency One North East will be allowed to continue its effective work for the region. Liberal Democrats in the North East have always argued that the region needs a strong and united voice when bidding for funding and representing the region nationally and within Europe.

"I will continue to work hard to ensure that the region's concerns are being taken into account by the new Coalition Government."