Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Visits Accrington Stanley – And Drops a Big Bonus
It’s a Sunday, but the town’s big day still hits the headlines. Rishi Sunak walked the grounds of Accrington Stanley in this weekend’s low‑key visit, swapping the usual suits for firm handshake and a friendly grin. “We’ve got your back,” he promised, and his light‑hearted manner on Monday echoed that confidence.
What the PM Stated
During a short press briefing, the chief politician highlighted two big numbers that will make a serious difference:
- £20 million for Accrington’s levelling‑up plans – a fresh injection to upgrade local roads, schools and tech hubs.
- £20 million extra for the “forgotten town” programme – because Accrington sits on the 55‑town shortlist the government is eager to lift up.
Local Voice – James Lavery’s Probe
James Lavery, 31, owns a health‑supplements business right in the heart of the town. He seized the chance on the dais to ask a simple but powerful question:
“How important is it to you that we keep seeing these investments into places, businesses like mine, where we can grow, we can become larger in the future, employ more people and become a real manufacturing hub?”
His words resonated with the packed crowd. That’s the heart of this story: the Prime Minister’s commitment isn’t just about data; it’s about people’s everyday lives, hope, growth, and a future where local entrepreneurs can thrive.
Bottom Line for Accrington Stanley
With the additional funds, the football club will get better facilities and more community engagement opportunities. Plus, local businesses like James’ can anticipate a boost in demand for their products, paving the way for expanded operations and new jobs.
So as the sun sets on Accrington, the town’s future feels a little brighter, a little easier, and oddly, a lot more hopeful. And that, dear readers, is the message the Prime Minister carried home from Sunday.
Read more related news:
Labour leader ‘concerned’ over the ‘level of threats’ made against MPs
UK to invest £300 million in ‘nuclear fuel’ as we will not allow Putin to ‘hold us to ransom’
Sunak is concerned over ‘a rise’ of people who are ‘unfit to work’ and claiming benefits
Sunak’s “Levelling Up” — What It Really Means (and Why It’s Causing a Stir)
For all the buzz around the latest “Levelling Up” talk and the HS2 story, the truth is simple: the Prime Minister is trying to convince voters that no matter where you live, you can still make it big for yourself and your family. He tries to paint it as a promise to “feel huge pride in the place you call home”. But, as with any political pitch, not everyone’s buying the narrative.
“Levelling Up” 101
- Levelling Up is the government’s answer to regional inequality—fairly plain, but with a theatrical twist.
- Sunak says it’s about giving every village, town, and city 20‑million‑pound “long‑term” funding. Think of it as a long‑lasting grant that stays in your local coffers for years.
- The plan is rolling out in about 50 places by 2025, with a sharp focus on the North West. Each community will pick what matters most to them.
- As if the money isn’t enough, the Prime Minister promised that the scrapped northern link of HS2 will free up funds for ‘hundreds of projects’, from better roads to a £2 cap on bus fares.
Quotes That Break the Ice
Sunak’s speech was peppered with a few line‑ups that the public is looking to latch onto:
- “I’ll tell you what levelling up means to me… it means you and your family can succeed, and that you can take enormous pride in the place you call home.”
- “We are going to put you in charge of it. You’ll decide what the right priorities are for your area.”
- “I am a northern MP… I want you to feel that this Government has your back and is investing in your community.”
Labour Sits on the Sidelines
Labour’s brief message was simple: “This Government is really investing, not just in Hyndburn and Haslingden but across East Lancashire.” But critics claim it’s all rhetoric, and the real conversion of funding into tangible improvements is still up in the air.
Getting Hustle On The Ground
What’s in store? The Deputy MP for Hyndburn, Sara Britcliffe, wants to keep putting the word “invest” in the front. She plans to have hundreds of new projects handle the money saved by HS2, emphasising that the North West, like many other towns, will see their futures upgrade after a long cusp of capital investment.
In a Nutshell
Sunak’s narrative on levelling up, HS2, and rural investments is undeniably punchy, but the debate is keenly poised. Will belief in fresh funding help to turn “back to square one” into a reality— or will it just add another line to the political ticker? The candles of time are still lit, but either way, every voice will be heard.
