Queens Speech good for Don Valley

6 November 2007

Don Valley MP Caroline Flint MP welcomed the first Queens Speech since Gordon Brown became Prime Minister.

Said Ms Flint: "The Government's starting point is the concerns, hopes and ambitions of families in every part of our country.

"I welcome that the issues brought to my surgeries by hard-working families who pay their taxes and play by the rules, are the ones the Government is addressing in this Parliament.

"Parents want help with balancing work and family
life – and will welcome the review on extending flexible working.

"People who ask about affordable housing will welcome our plans to build 3 million new homes by 2020.

"And people who want every young person to get a decent start in life will welcome our plans for education or training for every young person until the age of 18.

"When I first became the MP for Don Valley, too many young
people were left to languish on the dole. Today, long term youth unemployment is much less common than a decade ago, but too
many young people leave school without the skills to make their way in the world. That is the next task we have to tackle.

"Our vision is to provide the best chances for people in Don Valley
to get on in life. Gordon Brown is determined to see this through
and I believe he has the character and leadership to make the changes here in Westminster that will meet our hopes and aspirations here in Don Valley."