Turning the tide for coastal communities

For too long, coastal communities like Blackpool have been overlooked by governments in Westminster. Despite the breathtaking scenery and rich histories that make our coastal towns unique, they have been left to struggle with economic stagnation, crumbling public services and worsening levels of deprivation. Now, with a Labour government in place, it’s time to turn the tide and ensure our coastal communities get the support they deserve.

“We will push for investment in local economies so that young people don’t have to leave their hometowns to find good jobs.”

That’s why I have joined a new group of Labour MPs dedicated to standing up for coastal towns. Chaired by Polly Billington MP, this group brings together Labour’s 66 coastal MPs, all of whom understand the distinct challenges that our communities face. We are committed to ensuring that government action matches the scale of the problems we need to tackle.

After 14 years of Conservative rule, many coastal areas have been left behind. Our public services have suffered under chronic underfunding, with local hospitals and GP surgeries stretched to breaking point, transport links neglected and crime and antisocial behaviour on the rise. Coastal communities have some of the highest levels of deprivation in the country, yet they have received little of the investment needed to turn things around.

Voters in Blackpool and beyond rejected the Conservatives at the last election because they wanted change. They wanted a government that would take their concerns seriously, a government that would invest in the NHS, fix public transport and make our streets safer. And they wanted a government that would put more money into the pockets of working people rather than letting living standards decline year after year.

As Labour MPs representing coastal towns, we are working together to hold the government to its promises. We will push for investment in local economies so that young people don’t have to leave their hometowns to find good jobs. We will demand the resources needed to rebuild our public services, ensuring that our communities are not left to suffer while wealth and opportunity concentrate elsewhere.

“For Blackpool and for coastal communities across the country, this is our opportunity to turn years of neglect into a future of prosperity.”

We are also deeply concerned about proposals from the likes of Nigel Farage and Reform UK, who have suggested policies such as forcing people to pay for health insurance to access NHS services. Such plans would disproportionately harm coastal communities, where many people rely on the NHS more than ever due to historic health inequalities. We cannot allow our health service to be eroded under the guise of reform.

That’s why this new Labour Coastal Group is holding regular meetings with government ministers to make sure the voices of our communities are heard. We are united in our mission to secure the investment and attention that coastal towns have long been denied.

For Blackpool and for coastal communities across the country, this is our opportunity to turn years of neglect into a future of prosperity. With a Labour government in power and a dedicated group of MPs fighting our corner, I am determined to make sure that we seize it.