On Tuesday Stephen gave evidence at a public Inquiry into the planned closures of several Wirral libraries including those in Hoylake, Irby and Woodchurch. The Inquiry is a result of former Culture Minister Andy Burnham's last minute intervention to halt Wirral Borough Council's controversial Strategic Asset Review, it was chaired by Policy consultant Sue Charteris and lasted for...

Apprenticeships are a great way to get on the job training to get the skills you need to get a good, well paid job. Since 97, Labour has rescued apprenticeships from collapse and has built them up so they are well on their way to taking their rightful place as a mainstream training option for young people. In 97, only 60,000 people started apprenticeships, and hardly anyone finished. Next year, we hope over a quarter of a million young people will start an apprenticeship, and completion rates have risen from a quarter 5 years ago to nearly two thirds now. Figures released in apprenticeship week show that the number of...

Stephen joined local school children at Hoylake Community Centre’s newly refurbished Victorian classroom on friday to see just what it was like for children who attended Hoylake’s old Parade school. The old school, now Hoylake Community Centre, was opened in 1909 and the Victorian classroom was just one of the ways Community Centre volunteers are marking its centenary year. There was also an exhibition of photos and memorabilia open to the public...

UPDATE: Latest from Wirral library closures inquiry

Members of the public and local political figures have been telling a public inquiry why they believe Wirral Council shouldn't more...

Library closures inquiry underway at Floral Pavilion in New Brighton

A TWO-DAY public inquiry into the proposed closure of 11 Wirral libraries is now underway. Craig Manning reports from the more...

The task in front of us is clear - Gordon Brown

Speaking after announcing his new Cabinet, Gordon Brown MP, Labour's Prime Minister, said: "The elections yesterday were a painful defeat for Labour. Too many good people doing so much good for their more...

Voters face a choice between our commitment to investment and the Tories' commitment to cuts - Gordon Brown

Today, Gordon Brown highlighted the choice voters face at the ballot box this week on a visit to the East Midlands. The Prime Minister and Leader of the Labour Party was joined by the leader of the Eu more...

Public Libraries | Culture Media and Sport | Written Answers

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he is taking to ensure that there more...

Income Tax | Treasury | Written Answers

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent assessment he has made of the merits of altering the basic more...