A group aimed at starting a conversation to develop policies for the Conservative Party in a post-Brexit Britain was launched on Monday in Westminster, backed by Carlisle MP John Stevenson.
Blue Collar Conservatism is about championing working people and developing an agenda that benefits communities.
Led by Tatton MP Esther McVey the group, which has attracted the support of nearly 100 MPs already, wants to give regular people a voice and refocus the debate on issues such as health, education, policing, transport and infrastructure.
As well as asking for people to get in touch, the MPs will take the message to all parts of the country and hold meetings in pubs – starting in Bingley, West Yorkshire later this month.
Mr Stevenson, who is one of 12 MPs heading the group, said: “I want to see the ambition and opportunities in our city increase; that is why I am involved with Blue Collar Conservatism. Many issues that Blue Collar Conservatism stands for are the issues that matter to many of those living and working in our City. Education, infrastructure and good housing. These are practical issues that will ensure the future of Carlisle for the next generation. I want to ensure that not only Carlisle succeeds, but the people of Carlisle succeed as well.
“We are a great northern industrial city with national and international businesses such as Pirelli, Nestle, McVitie’s and Stobart with sites on our doorstep. Every year I hold a skills fair to demonstrate these opportunities in an attempt to encourage our young people to work and live in our city. We need to move the conversation on from Brexit and deliver what matters to the people of Carlisle.’”
At the launch, Ms McVey called for an extra £4 billion for education and £3 billion for policing.
Ms McVey said: “What people want is for us to deliver Brexit and then deliver policies that matter to them and their families. Brexit is important but people want us to be talking about domestic issues too. We need to get out there and engage with them and that is why I am launching Blue Collar Conservatism. Now is the time to reach out and listen and hear what people have got to say, what they want money spent on, and we need to deliver it.
“People want to know that their street is safe, want their children to go to a good school, want good NHS services, want to know we are tackling knife crime as well as creating new jobs, reducing unemployment and strengthening the economy and this group is going to listen and push to make it happen.”
She also believes BCC will appeal to many sections of society and said someone needs to give hard-working people, let down by Labour, a voice.