Rotheram’s pledge on Armed Forces and solar power
A METRO mayor hopeful has committed to signing the first regional Armed Forces Covenant outside London in a bid to break down barriers for former servicemen and women across Halton.
Labour’s candidate for the Liverpool City Region metro mayor Steve Rotheram pledged to tackle some of the problems faced by former soldiers, sailors and air personnel by working with local authorities and veterans’ groups.
The Walton MP will establish a working group in an attempt to lobby Government to work more collaboratively and better meet the needs of people who have served the UK on issues such as housing, health, schools and employment.
The Liverpool City Region includes Halton, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, Wirral and Knowsley.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from that those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly. ●
Speaking about the pledge, Mr Rotheram said: “The Liverpool City Region has proportionately one of the strongest veteran and Armed Forces communities.
“That’s why getting a fair deal for the brave men and women who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, is a priority in my manifesto.
“If elected as metro mayor, I will ensure our city region is the first outside of London to sign the Armed Forces Covenant so I can work alongside local authorities to push this Government to commit to ensure there are better jobs and housing opportunities available, together with the right health and education provision.”
Meanwhile Mr Rotheram has also pledged to create a ● large-scale solar scheme as part of his bid to turn the Liverpool City Region (LCR) into ‘Britain’s energy coast’.
Mr Rotheram visited an existing United Utilities site last week, to find out how he could implement this if he is elected on May 4.
A spokesman for the Labour candidate’s officer said the solar plans complement his intention to create an LCR renewable energy company and are likely to be drawn up in the first 100 days of office if he wins.
He added that the energy policy will form part of a drive to make the city region zerocarbon by 2040.
The Walton MP said: “In the LCR, we need to embracing low carbon solutions and technologies. Being green is not an optional extra. In the 21st cen- tury it is a fundamental necessity, which is why under my mayoralty we will aim to become the cleanest and greenest city region in the UK.
“If I am elected on May 4, I will draw up ambitious plans for a large scale solar scheme within my first 100 days, which will set out how we can be a leader in this type of renewable energy and bring down energy costs for families in our area.”