JUDITH Cummins MP welcomed businesses, trade unions, civic leaders and a senior Labour figure to Bradford South for a discussion on jobs, narrowing the north-south divide and the vital importance of Bradford to the Northern Powerhouse, before discussing Bradford’s place in the regional and national economy - and how to improve it.

Mrs Cummins said: “It was great to continue the dialogue with local businesses, trade unions and other important figures in Bradford about how we can all work together to get the best for our city.

“It is now widely accepted that the UK’s economy is fundamentally unbalanced - it is too heavily weighted towards London and the South East.

“Bradford, like towns and cities across the North, must develop its own way to secure economic prosperity, boost skills and protect jobs. We had a productive discussion, and there is plenty for us all to continue to work with.”

Mr Dowd spoke of the regional disparities in infrastructure spending and said “decisions about which projects are chosen should not be based on monetary returns alone".

Speaking after the event he said: “It was a real pleasure to attend, especially with so many people from various sectors committed to Bradford's future. I was really impressed with their vision for Bradford.”

Businesses from across Bradford South were represented, along with trade unions GMB, Unison and USDAW, as well as Bradford University and Bradford College.

David Baldwin, chair of Bradford’s economic partnership, and Henri Murrison, director of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, were also present.

Nick Garthwaite, Managing Director of Christeyns UK and Bradford Chamber of Commerce President, said: “West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce was pleased to be involved in organising this meeting.

"There was a good mix of business sectors present, and they would be pleased to know that their MP is willing to put on an event like this, and take up any issues for them in the Commons.

"It was also good that Labour’s Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury was happy to hear from those present, speaking approvingly of the district’s economic strategy.”