In his maiden Parliamentary speech, newly-elected Keighley MP Kris Hopkins has vowed to improve community cohesion.

Mr Hopkins said through an educated workforce, decent homes, people being healthy, having jobs and living in a safe environment it could be achieved.

He said: “Then, when communities are brought together, they do not simply tolerate each other, but respect each other.

“I want to aspire to promoting and achieving that during my term as the MP for Keighley.”

During his speech he also said immigration was a major issue, with people losing confidence in the Labour government’s handling of illegal immigration.

Mr Hopkins also said improvements in education and skills would break the deprivation cycle.

He said: “In parts of the constituency, life expectancy is nine years longer than in other parts. Educational attainment is low, particularly among Muslim young men and boys. Unemploy-ment is high, and drug dealing and abuse is a big issue.

“I have the privilege of representing a beautiful place which is immensely diverse, with a great populace and huge social issues that need to be addressed.”

Mr Hopkins also paid tribute to his predecessor, Ann Cryer, agreeing with her that young people starting school must be able to speak English.

He also commended her work on forced marriage.

Mrs Cryer’s son John was elected in May as MP for Leyton and Wanstead. Mr Cryer and Mr Hopkins were reacquainted two weeks ago after going to school together 32 years ago.