In politics, the number of women in the cabinet has fallen and, if current poll trends continue and Labour loses a number of marginal seats, the number of female MPs is likely to drop significantly. – Lucy Powell
It’s not a matter of if economies around the world becoming low-carbon, but when and how: through struggle and strife or through advancement and progressive leadership. Larry Elliot described it today as the ‘Green New Deal.’ It’s a leadership we in Britain can provide, and from which our economy can benefit. – Lucy Powell
In last year’s local elections in Manchester a third of those who voted did so by post. It’s not just that people are choosing to get postal votes, but having one makes it much more likely that they’ll vote. – Lucy Powell
The era of industrial Britain, where a large section of our workforce provided cheap labour in factories and processing goods, is over. – Lucy Powell
In the current climate motorists have a long list of issues from which to choose to raise on the doorstep. Policies aimed at reducing emissions – like the changes to Vehicle Excise Duty or here in Manchester the proposals for congestion charges – are not without controversy. – Lucy Powell
Like many of my friends and colleagues, I can’t get enough of Obama news; latest polling, speeches, visits, reaction of world leaders. – Lucy Powell
Both the velodrome and the Commonwealth swimming pool are open to the public and are frequently used by local schools and the local community. Over the last six years young people have been inspired to take up swimming and cycling more seriously; some of them are now coming through as Olympic champions or hopefuls. – Lucy Powell
Today the demands are for even higher standards in the quality of care, for greater flexibility and convenience in treatment times, and for more prevention through screening and health checks. – Lucy Powell
It’s estimated that by 2030 there will be virtually no unskilled jobs in the British economy. – Lucy Powell
Events are moving so fast and what in one moment seems impossible, the next is happening. I’m sure historians will, in time, provide theories and analysis, but for now I think most of us simply want the tide stemmed. – Lucy Powell
As the economy faces such difficulties, more tough questions need to be asked about what the Tories would do if elected. Their ideology of free markets and small government needs challenging. That has to be part of our job. – Lucy Powell
Funding for sports (and the arts) are often the first things facing the chop in difficult times. – Lucy Powell
The economic and social decline of Zimbabwe is shocking and appalling. Life there is unrecognisable from that of the recent past. Each day is a struggle for basic survival. – Lucy Powell
Globalisation means that for a high-wage, developed economy like Britain’s to compete we need to focus our efforts on the highly skilled, added-value sectors such as advanced manufacturing, creative industries, engineering and even financial services. – Lucy Powell
The Tories and the Lib Dems talk about social mobility, but, short of winning the lottery, the only way to guarantee young people from all backgrounds the opportunity to do better and to raise aspirations is through education. – Lucy Powell
Some argue that now isn’t the time to push the green agenda – that all efforts should be on preventing a serious recession. That is a false choice. It fails to recognise that climate change and our carbon reliance is part of problem – high fuel prices and food shortages due to poor crop yields compound today’s financial difficulties. – Lucy Powell
As the prospect of a Tory government gets nearer, many traditional Labour voters – some who switched away in recent times and many who stayed at home – seem more determined to prevent that happening. – Lucy Powell
These are tough times and under this Tory-led government many people in Manchester are suffering and getting left behind. If elected I will use all my energy, skills, experience and knowledge to stand up for our communities and get things done for the better. – Lucy Powell
It’s become unfashionable to celebrate political achievement, and Labour achievement even less so. And it’s positively uncouth to be proud of something that this Labour government is doing. So, slam me for saying so, but I’m really proud of the NHS. – Lucy Powell