Chris Clarkson MP makes his maiden speech in Parliament

Chris Clarkson MP

Heywood and Middleton MP, Chris Clarkson dedicated his maiden speech in the House of Commons to those frontline heroes rising to the challenges of coronavirus as they “embody the best of what it is to be British.”

Mr Clarkson made his speech on Wednesday 3 June during the Second Reading of the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill, which will introduce measures to give UK businesses the essential flexibility and breathing space they require to avoid insolvency throughout this period of economic uncertainty and beyond.

The MP said that the Bill “will protect jobs and support the economy” and “provide new lifelines to companies in need of rescue” as he argued for the North West to be at the heart of the economic recovery from coronavirus.

During his speech the MP listed “countless examples of kindness” happening across Heywood and Middleton during this national emergency as he paid tribute to his constituents, who he describes as “some of finest, most patriotic, enterprising people in the whole country.”

The MP vowed to stand up for “the forgotten towns of the North” who have “waited their turn, promised so much by the people they have elected, only to see themselves passed over again and again” as he pledged to fight to protect local communities from the “disastrous” Greater Manchester Spatial Framework.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Clarkson said: “It is was the greatest privilege of my life to have been elected as the Member of Parliament for Heywood and Middleton, and whilst I would have preferred to give this speech in normal circumstances, it was an honour to be able to pay tribute to this special part of the North West and highlight some of challenges we face.

“During these difficult times it is vital that we all play our part in defeating coronavirus and I am immensely proud of how people right across our communities have come together to tackle this global health crisis.”