Gareth Johnson welcomes David Cameron to Dartford

25^th June 2012

Gareth Johnson has welcomed the Prime Minister on his visit to Dartford. As part of the visit the Prime Minister set out his aspirations as to how we can avoid the ‘something for nothing society’ and help hard working people in the local area.

David Cameron gave his speech to large audience at the Glow Events Centre at Bluewater Shopping Centre (full transcript: http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/welfare-speech/)

Gareth Johnson introduced the Prime Minister stating that this was the first time in almost 30 years that a Conservative Prime Minister has visited Dartford.  Gareth praised the work of Bluewater by stating that “Bluewater is more than just a shopping centre, it is a leisure complex with retail at its heart that employs some 7500 people in the constituency”.

Gareth Johnson praised the announcement saying “I am pleased that this government is determined to be on the same side as hard working families. The message is clear; benefits should be a stop-gap and not a way of life. If people fall on hard times then the State will help them but self responsibility must also apply. Hard working people want fairness to prevail in the benefits system. If you genuinely need help then this should be given but if you can work you should work. The State must never become a charity for the workshy”.

Here in Dartford both general unemployment and youth unemployment has fallen in the last year and is lower than the national average. However, we must not be complacent. We have to continue working hard to support people both in work and those looking for work.

Whilst Government schemes and apprenticeship places are very important, the most important thing the Government can do for employment is to sort out the country’s finances and the economy. That’s why tackling the debts that we inherited is vital in the battle to keep Dartford and Britain working.

Ends