Gordon Brown in town again
Prime Minister opens new school and chooses Swindon to highlight spending programme
Gordon Brown made his second visit to Swindon inside 3 months today - with the current state of the UK economy once again taking centre stage.
The PM arrived to officially open the new Isambard Community School in north Swindon this morning, and to announce a massive public spending programme which he hopes will help Britain beat recession.
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Leading the charge:
Gordon Brown with Isambard pupils and Swindon North MP
Michael Wills (second left) and being welcomed by
Swindon South MP Anne Snelgrove
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"The economic slowdown must not be an excuse to slow down the pace of investment and reform to strengthen our country for the future," he said, after meeting staff and pupils.
The Government's £40 billion investment programme for 2009 is central to the Prime Minister's plan to restore economic growth and create 100,000 jobs, and schools and colleges across England are expected to benefit from refurbishment and rebuilding.
Mr Brown also commented briefly on the current problems facing the car industry and Honda in Swindon.
"We are working with all parties involved to improve the situation to help safeguard car production jobs and improve financing options for car buyers," he said.
Protesters outside the school highlighting a campaign to abolish tax on savings were moved on before the PM arrived.
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Brown-ed off:
protesters outside Isambard school before the visit of the PM
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During his brief stay, the PM also found time to meet pupils from Wootton Bassett at Swindon train station who are involved in an after-school film club initiative.
"Greater exposure to world cinema deepens children's understanding of different cultures and ideas," he explained.
The PM continued onto south Wales as part of a regional tour to see for himself the effects of the credit crunch.
Anne Snelgrove MP (Swindon South)
