General Election Day Twenty One: Economy

Today was economy. The Taxpayer's Alliance Debt Clock came to Harlow, to highlight Britain's huge debt problem. Each Harlow family will have to pay £30,000 in debt through taxation, thanks to Gordon Brown's mishandling of the economy.

Meanwhile, Our campaign to protect small businesses in Harlow gathers apace, as FIFTY businesses in Harlow, alongside the Essex Federation of Small Businesses, have signed a letter in support of Conservative plans for the economy. [1]

The 50 smaller firms - including flower shops, hairdressers, wholesalers, mechanics and small manufacturers - signed a letter opposing Gordon Brown's hike in National Insurance.

They also said Conservative plans would "protect jobs and support the recovery".

Backing the Conservative plan to find £6bn of government efficiency savings, the 50 businesses added:

"In the last two years, businesses have cut costs without undermining the service they provide to their customers. It is time for the Government to do the same.

"Cutting government waste won't endanger the recovery - but putting up national insurance will."

Sadly, Harlow now struggles with the highest unemployment here in 13 years. Gordon Brown's recession has caused misery for thousands, and Labour's planned tax on jobs could put the recovery at risk.

But we're an entrepreneurial town with more than 5,500 successful small businesses. These businesses know what they're taking about.

A Conservative Government will also work to keep Harlow business money for Harlow people, by keeping all rates for major business schemes in the local area. This will help pay for new infrastructure and roads.

I am pleased that Shadow Business Minister Mark Prisk has backed my campaign. Mr Prisk met shoppers in the town centre and discussed how to bring more local firms back to Harlow after the downturn.

P.S. [1] A list of some of the small business signatories:

* Iain Wicks, Regional Chairman, Essex Federation of Small Business
* Masterson Funeral Home
* Jan's Flowers Ltd
* Joy Flowers Ltd
* DM Contracts (Paul Smith)
* CITY Electrical Factors Ltd (N C Spalding)
* Young and Woods (Alan Lee)
* Plumbase (J Campion)
* Canonbury Builders Merchants (P Akers)
* Total Waste Ltd (Mr Hammond)
* XPL Coachworks Ltd
* C&S Autos (E Thorpe)
* Construction Training Partnership
* Co-Operative Pharmacy
* Paul Kaye
* Seven Hairdressing (G Miles)
* Kodo Dresses (Susan S H Lam)
* Tonnes Music Store
* Darrr Ltd (R Prismandieni)
* Genesis Financial Services
* Masters and Watkins
* Gil & Company
* Graham Rogers Jewellery
* Sam's News
* DS Autos Ltd
* Bloomfield Motor Services
* Phoenix Services Ltd
* H G Evans Garage
* D2 Vehicle Services Ltd
* Lymn Harris Thornton Jones
* Gloria M Skincare
* P C Shoard & Co
* DJP & Co Ltd (Mr Santiello)
* Practical Marketing Ltd (Mr Bryan Wall)
* Sweeney Todds Hairdressers (Karen Lucas)
* Sayona News (Mr Patel)
* C. S. Print Ltd
* Howden Joinery (P Williamson)
* Excel Trailers (J McDonald)
* Burnt Mill Coachworks (Steve Lewis)
* Stow Tyres (C Hall)
* Plumbcentre (Danny Andrews)
* Academy Direct (P Rhodes)
* Kings Estate Agents (C Armstrong)
* Cafe Mio (A Rafferty)

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com