"TIME FOR CHANGE IN BURNLEY" INITIATIVE LAUNCHED
(Thursday, 07 August 2003)

The GMB Trade Union officially launched it's "Time For Change in Burnley" initiative at the Union's Burnley office today. Gary Jones, the Regional Secretary of GMB Lancashire, said "We call upon all those in Burnley who want to see improved opportunities for all our families to support our campaign. We need to be working together for a better future, not racing apart."

The campaign, which has the backing not only of the GMB, but of various community groups, intends to help the people of Burnley who have become disaffected with mainstream politics. Councillor Afzal Khan, the North-West spokesman of the Muslim Council of Britain, said "Burnley needs investment and regeneration. The BNP are not interested in working for a better future for the town and all it's residents. They are hell bent on creating division and disharmony. We need to be attracting inward investment and jobs. We need to be encouraging people to live and work in Burnley, not driving them away. The GMB must be congratulated on this splendid initiative"

The theme of unity and community was echoed by Abdul Hamid Chowdry, Director of Blackburn and Darwen Racial Equality Council, who said "I am proud to be a part of this campaign which will address the concerns of all communities. We need to be able to speak with one voice if we are to develop opportunities for all. Good race relations enable us to speak with one voice."

Kate Jones, the secretary of the union's youth wing, Massive Youth, said "Young people are the future and if we do not see a future for ourselves in Burnley then Burnley will have no future. BURNLEY NO PROSPERITY!"

Click here to visit the GMB Trade Union website.