THE Prime Minister is backing Bradford and declared it as an “incredibly important” part of the country on a visit to the district today.
Rishi Sunak visited Byworth Boilers, at Parkwood Boiler works, in Keighley this morning and had a tour of the headquarters as well as speaking to staff of the successful manufacturing company.
The Telegraph & Argus quizzed the country’s leader, who was flanked by Robbie Moore MP, on a number of topics, including Bradford’s importance to the UK and why people in the area should trust him.
Mr Sunak said: “Bradford and West Yorkshire in general is an incredibly important part of the country and that’s why we’re backing it.”
“I mean, thanks to the efforts of our brilliant local MPs, like Robbie or Philip Davies who I’m seeing next, we are investing heavily in local communities here.”
The PM highlighted the £2 billion that is being invested to build a new train station in Bradford, an announcement that was made last October, as an example of this.
He said: “That’s hugely welcome by everybody I speak to, for the regeneration opportunities that it will bring and increased connectivity - Manchester, Leeds, all the cities of the north being improved because of the decision I made on HS2.
“Rediverting that money, every penny of that money is being reinvested in local transport across the north.
“You can see that in Bradford and indeed in the mass transit system for Leeds.
“That’s incredibly exciting, shows that our plan is working, and if we stick with it, a brighter future ahead for everyone in Bradford, West Yorkshire, and beyond.”
Mr Sunak added: “We’re in Keighley and just look at what’s happening – not one, not two, three different bits of levelling-up investment going into Keighley, over £50 million.
“It’s going to make an enormous difference to people - the high-streets, town centres, better opportunity.
“Airedale Hospital is getting rebuilt, that’s a huge ask that Robbie’s campaigned hard for.
“Shipley’s receiving levelling up money as well, where I’ll be going to next.”
People in Bradford and the district can rely on Mr Sunak to continue being leader because the country has “turned a corner” under his stewardship, according to the PM.
He cited the latest budget as an example of this, which included inflation dropping from 11 per cent to four per cent, rising wages, mortgage rates and energy bills falling, and tax cuts.
Mr Sunak said: “I’ve been out and about across Yorkshire yesterday and today, and that’s very much the feeling that I’m picking up from people.
“They can see that our plans are starting to work after what has been difficult couple of years, they can see that the path we’re on is a positive, and the extra money in everyone’s bank accounts is making a difference.
“Ultimately it speaks to the kind of country I believe in, it’s one where hardwork is rewarded."
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