QUEEN'S SPEECH NEEDS TO BE MADE TO WORK FOR CARDIFF & PENARTH -HANNIGAN

4.23.00pm GMT Thu 4th Dec 2008

Commenting on today's Queen's Speech, Liberal Democrat campaigner for Cardiff South and Penarth Dominic Hannigan said: "There are two main crises that must be addressed by Government - the economic crisis and the political crisis.

"Wales is shedding jobs faster than anywhere else in the UK, yet I'm not convinced today's Queen's Speech and last week's Pre-Budget Report have produced all that much action to protect people's homes and livelihoods. The Government needs to follow through with measures on repossessions and soaring energy prices.

On the measures for the economy he added:

"Measures to help small businesses and manufacturing are at this stage rather vague. I wait and hope to see what arises, but there's a real problem in Cardiff South and Penarth NOW, and we need the answers really soon or businesses will go to the wall."

On the Welfare Reform Bill, he added:

"One of the real issues at stake in benefit reform is the improving the provision of skills training for those that need it. I hope that this will be one of the main issues focused on."

On the Marine Bill, he added:

"It is great to see that after several years of pressure, the Government is finally bringing in a Marine Bill. We need a strong Bill to protect our marine environment and I look forward to participating in the debate."