David Cameron back in Reading

Adam Hewitt • Published 12 Apr 2010 15:00 Comments 1 Comment

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JEWSON backed his anti-tax message, so David Cameron backed Jewson.

The Tory leader made a flying visit to the builders' merchants in Reading's Basingstoke Road this morning to talk to staff about his policy to scrap the planned rise in National Insurance after the company's chief executive, Peter Hindle, signed up on Friday.

After a private walk-and-talk with staff inside the shop, Mr Cameron spoke to the waiting media.

He said: "I'm in Reading because I want to support Alok Sharma, who would make an excellent Member of Parliament. He works very hard and knows the area.

"I'm in Jewson's to highlight what people working here were saying to me, that the one thing we need to avoid is putting up taxes. Labour's National Insurance rise is a job killer, an economy killer, a recovery killer."

Mr Hindle said he spoke out not because of a political affiliation but because opposing the rise was "the right thing to do for the business, our staff and our shareholders".

But Labour has attacked the plans as an "uncosted giveaway".

Mr Cameron said Jewson's staff questioned him about welfare dependency and he said the system needed to be toughened up.

He added: "If you don't take the job, you can't go on benefits."

He also discussed his planned tax break for married couples, which opposition parties have labelled discriminatory and patronising since it suggests people might get married for an extra £3 a week.

But Mr Cameron said: "No-one loses out from recognising marriage in the tax system. Marriage helps make families strong. No-one will lose out from this policy."

Gary Brown runs Chubbys hot food stand near Jewson's and served the Tory leader after his chat with staff.

Mr Brown said: "He came across as a nice and reasonable, every day guy, no airs and graces. He asked reasonable questions at least."

Reading West candidate Mr Sharma said afterwards: "It's great to get a visit and David emphasised that fact that what matters for people is keeping council tax low and they were positive about our plans to halt Labour's planned rise in National Insurance. People are feeling the pinch and we need to do anything we can to help."

Mr Cameron visited Reading in January for a 'Cameron Direct' town hall event, answering voters' questions at the Madejski Stadium. He also visited in May 2008.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown came to Reading in March to give a speech on crime and anti-social behaviour. Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg last visited in 2008.

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howard thomas
Unregistered User
Apr 15, 23:39
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I guess those matching ties must be standard Tory kit these days...how sweet!

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