Unemployment in Fenland and East Cambridgeshire was much higher in the early 90s recession than in the current one, Labour is arguing as it strives to win votes in the looming General Election.

With the Prime Minister obliged to call a nation-wide poll by early May, his party's East of England regional office has just released an analysis of unemployment in December 1992 compared to November 2009.

In East Cambridgeshire 2,018 people were claiming unemployment benefit under a Conservative government in 1992 compared to 1,111 in 2009.  Whilst in Fenland 3,876 people were claiming unemployment benefit in 1992 compared to 2,214 in 2009.

Deputy regional minister Bob Blizzard is stated "These figures show the support that Labour has put in place is having an effect up and down the Eastern Region."

"We know that the economy is fragile, and that we cannot risk choking off the support and funding that the Labour Government is providing."

"To cut back on investment, like the Conservatives want to do, would be the wrong call at the wrong time."

"In the face of the worldwide economic difficulties, Labour has kept investing in the future to prepare for the recovery."

Peter Roberts, Labour's spokesperson for North East Cambridgeshire, added:

"Official figures show that under the Tories the recession would be much worse in East Cambridgeshire and Fenland, in fact it would be almost twice as bad."

"One of the reasons for lower unemployment in this recession compared to under the Tories is the investment Labour has been making. That is why I am backing the Future Jobs Fund which will bring more jobs to the area, jobs that David Cameron wants to slash."

"It is also why I support Labour's guarantees - an education or training place for young people up to 18. And a job or training place for 18-24 year olds out of work for six months. Both funded by a one off tax on bankers' bonuses."