Northumberland Labour says people’s lives and opportunities will only be improved by businesses and trade unions working together.

Northumberland County Council shadow cabinet member for business Lynne Grimshaw said: “Northumberland Labour was pleased to hear Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s address to the Confederation of British Industry last week.

“In it he told business leaders that working with trade unions was essential to the country’s success. We can achieve so much more by everyone working together.

“Everyone working in business and people who are members of trade unions want the same thing; profitable successful organisations who serve their customers well and provide opportunities for development and growth.

“We also know everyone is stronger if public services and community groups working with business and trade unions. We’ve had 12 years of people pulling in opposite directions and it’s done our country no good whatsoever. Now’s the time for everyone to pull together and concentrate on what’s important to people.

“It’s clear from the last 12 years that the Conservative government is not interested in ordinary people. Society has always striven for children to better off than their parents. Under their watch young people are finding it hard to get on the housing ladder and many are in insecure employment.

“This government is letting people down. Labour will always be on your side.”