Brown insists ports are safe
GORDON Brown has insisted that the Government is protecting the interests of North East Lincolnshire's ports.
The Prime Minister, speaking to the Grimsby Telegraph, dismissed the Conservatives' pledge to halt the collection of backdated port rates if the party wins the forthcoming general election, claiming the Tory pledge was unfunded.
-
SUPPORT: Gordon Brown says the Government is protecting the interests of our ports.
He said: "And how do the Conservatives propose to pay for that?
"This is the incoherence of the Conservative position, if you make a proposal you've got to show how you're going to pay for it.
"We are trying to stimulate ports in this country, we published the national funding strategy for ports and I think you will see interesting announcements in the next few months."
Liam Byrne, Chief Secretary to Treasury, added: "The issue about port rates is something that Communities Secretary John Denham continues to work through with Alistair Darling to make sure there isn't the bad impact on jobs.
"And what Alistair announced this week was a £60m fund for ports right the way across the UK to support investment in wind and other low-carbon energy systems, and that will be a huge boost for Britain's ports."
The Conservatives' Bob Neill, Shadow Minister for Local Government, said: "The Government's botched and unfair ports tax is pushing firms into insolvency."
4 Comments
by John, Scartho
Friday, March 26 2010, 5:33PM
“Ports safe with Gordon Brown? I wouldn't believe that man if he told me the sky was up and water was wet. He is the worst PM the country has ever had, he's sold our gold on the cheap, ruined private pensions and led us into the worst recession since records began. Safe with his government? You'd be safer with Jack the Ripper.”
by Bob, Immingham
Friday, March 26 2010, 4:48PM
“If the rates come in (if Labour get re-elected) , Immingham Docks will become a dead port (look at Grimsby docks).
I know of a few companies who have stated that they will enter voluntary bankruptcy.
What is this government trying to do ?”
by Bernard, Sth Killingholme.
Friday, March 26 2010, 4:24PM
“More electioneering and spin.
If the Conservatives have to explain how they are to fund every proposal, How does Brown persuade us that his party are protecting the interests of North East Lincolnshire's ports will it be more of his UNFUNDED lies?
Brown was the person who imposed the cripling rates on top of the rates which the businesses had allready paid once with their rent to ABP.
Once again Brown treats the people of Lincolnshire like fools.”
by Tim, Cleethorpes
Friday, March 26 2010, 4:10PM
“Nowt to worry about, says our lying, disingenuous and incompetent Prime Minister. Be afraid. Be very afraid!”