THE LABOUR Party’s controversial pink bus rolled into Redditch on Tuesday (March 10) to encourage women to vote.
Gloria De Piero, shadow minister for women and equalities, brought the Woman to Woman vehicle to the Old Needle Works where she was joined by the town’s Labour Parliamentary candidate Rebecca Blake.
The duo spoke to future fashion designers and entrepreneurs about their views on politics and what politicians could do to help them.
Speaking about the visit, Ms De Piero said getting out of Westminster and engaging with young women at the design centre was exactly what the tour was all about.
“They told me about the barriers they face, the cost of childcare is a major issue and we know why.
“Under this Conservative Government, childcare costs have soared, yet wages haven’t.
“I can tell parents in Redditch, a Labour Government will mean 25 hours free childcare.”
She added long-term unemployment was another obstacle the party would tackle, claiming the number of women who were over 25 and on benefits for more than two years had rocketed.
“Labour’s Woman to Woman tour is about making these direct connections – and turning up the volume on the political voice of everyday women, “ she said
Ms Blake said: “Once again today the group said how crucial services remaining at the Alexandra Hopspital is to them.
“One mum gave birth so quickly she didn’t make it from her home in Woodrow to the Alex.
“Worcester is too far away for maternity and for A&E and that’s why I won’t stop campaigning for our hospital.
“I’m proud Redditch is part of Labour’s Woman to Woman tour.
“By listening, we can put the real concerns at the heart of what we do.”
When the pink bus was first unveiled, it received criticism from opposition politicians and online commenters with some even dubbing it ‘the Barbie Bus’.
