As a City of Culture, Bradford's vast cultural heritage that has shaped the world's literature and art will be on display.
The reopening of Bradford Interchange, the complete refurbishment of Bradford Foster Square Station and the promise of new regional transport are long overdue, but for too many in our local community the opportunity still seems remote. is the reality.
Bradford has long had one of the highest rates of chronic illness and mental health problems in the country, but cuts to local health services will reduce access to the care that local residents desperately need. And the situation deteriorated rapidly. The pandemic has highlighted how deep these inequalities are, with people in disadvantaged areas of the city suffering disproportionately. However, these challenges are not new and are the result of underfunding and years of neglect.
The shameful reality is that one in three children in Bradford lives in poverty, the highest proportion in West Yorkshire, a statistic that should fill everyone with shame and anger. is. But this crisis is no accident, and workplace poverty will only increase as funding is cut for services that help families lift themselves out of poverty. For many people, work is no longer a means of escaping poverty, and it is certainly the case that insecure, low-wage jobs keep many trapped in a cycle of poverty.
This devastation is felt most acutely by children who grow up in environments that limit their opportunities and discourage their potential. For too long we have played second fiddle to children from working class families across Bradford East who should be given a fair chance in life, but instead are held back from success. We must be clear about the barriers we face. That's why this new year should be a turning point. Now is the time to rise to the challenge and tackle child poverty head on.
I have long been clear that this means investing in education and ensuring that every child in Bradford East has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. That means investing in early childhood services, providing support to families and ensuring no child goes hungry or lives in inadequate housing.
Clearly, these challenges are interconnected and cannot be resolved without sustained, long-term commitment, which has been lacking in previous government strategies.
The previous government's rhetoric about leveling up did not help the people of Bradford East. We have not been able to close health disparities, reduce child poverty or create opportunity for all. Indeed, my thorough research and proposal to add three state-of-the-art medical hubs to Bradford was recognized by the then Conservative Government as an effective means of reducing health inequalities. It was later rejected. This political choice shows how unserious they were.
But now we're not just restoring what was lost. But to build a better and fairer future for Bradford and for cities across the country that have been ignored for far too long.
As we look at the incredible things Bradford has to celebrate in 2025 – a city of culture, a dynamic and growing young population, and further investment in what underpins the city’s operations – we are now even more excited. We have an opportunity to build a fairer and more prosperous future. . I believe that governments responsible for lifting children out of poverty and creating a future where every child has a chance to succeed, regardless of their background, will prioritize everything from a greener economy to a safer economy. We will continue to insist that we are a government that Society will succeed.
Now that we have a Labor government, we have an absolute duty to reverse the damage of austerity. We can invest in health services, schools and communities to ensure people in Bradford East finally get the support they need. We have a right to be better, and with the right leadership, we can make 2025 the year we start rebuilding our communities and creating the opportunities our people so desperately need.
