Plane Rude

Peter Barron writes:

It should not come as any great surprise that David Cameron overlooks the North-East. This is not the part of the country which holds the key to a second term in Downing Street and he has not been swayed by the clear evidence that the region has suffered disproportionately under his Government’s policies.

Nevertheless, he is meant to be Prime Minister for the whole country and his snub of North-East businesses during a landmark trade trip to China is shameful. Out of 131 seats on David Cameron’s plane, just two were allocated to business figures from this region, compared to 75 from London and 17 from the Home Counties.

As chief executive of the North-East Chamber of Commerce, James Ramsbotham, would have been the ideal representative for our region. He is fair-minded, well-informed, and passionate about what the North-East has to offer. When someone of his stature decides to hit out at the Government’s Southern bias being “sadly typical” it represents damning criticism.

It is not as if Mr Ramsbotham wasn’t in the frame to be part of the trip. He was sounded out, made it clear that he would like to go to China, suggested other key North-East names, and then heard nothing more. It is not only discourteous to the North-East but a missed opportunity for the country because this region has a valuable contribution to make.

The fact that Mr Cameron found seats on the plane for his own father, a wealthy neighbour and one of his former policy advisers rubs salt in the wounds.

The Prime Minister will no doubt dismiss the North’s claims of bias, but he should make it his business to listen to the frustration being voiced by honest people like James Ramsbotham.

Stockton South, Labour Gain, to be expected.

Hexham, Labour Gain, the end of the Conservative Party in the North East.