PPC for Harborough
It has been a really sad month. I strongly and unequivocally condemn the brutal and inhumane attack on schoolchildren in Peshawar, Pakistan on 16 December 2014. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We are devastated by the loss of life, the vast majority of whom were schoolchildren.
This really is a blatant atrocity on the people of Pakistan, who are at the forefront of the war on terror. These terrorists have no place in Islam which is a peaceful religion.
On the other hand, the Autumn Statement has spread a bit of festive cheer for small businesses. A £1bn package of measures to reduce the cost of business rates and help small firms was announced in the Autumn Statement.
Liberal Democrats recognise that providing the support these businesses need is central to our work to building a stronger economy and a fairer society where there is opportunity for everyone to get on in life.
As a result of these measures, businesses are expanding and the economy is growing. Unemployment is going down and families up and down the country are beginning to feel the difference.
Birmingham is buzzing with the opening of new businesses. For example, I visited the opening of the new Birmingham branch of My Lahor – it was a great evening with fantastic food and I wish them all the success under inspirational CEO Maf Farooq.
