Last Saturday our Thirsk and Bedale Branch members were out in Thirsk Market Place asking the public how they would prioritise Labour’s five mission statements. We had quite a response despite the cold and, as you can see from the boards, the NHS was a favourite talking point. Many are concerned about getting appointments, being seen in good time and whether their loved ones will get the care they need. With Labour’s fully funded plan all this is possible, and we can work to get the NHS back on its feet!

All the statements encouraged discussion and once people were talking we listened to views about many national and local issues. As the Labour candidate for the Sowerby and Topcliffe by-election I was asking whether people were registered to vote and what their concerns might be. It became obvious to me that many are disengaged with politics and feel there is no hope, but working locally, listening, and striving to make the community stronger can turn this around, bring the voters out for Labour, and get Britain’s Future Back after the chaos of the Conservative years.