As our green spaces and lawns continue to dry to a golden brown, there was good news this week for jobs and growth as the latest figures published by the Office for National Statistics show that the Uk economy grew by 0.3 per cent during May following growth of 0.2 per cent in the three months beforehand. Our service industries, which include retail, hotels and restaurants, grew by 0.9 per cent in the three months to May, which is encouraging news for local businesses. The figures also show UK exports at a record high of £620 billion in the year to May, showing that we continue on the right track when it comes to building a stronger and fairer economy.
The recent announcement by the Prime Minister of £343 million of government investment for research and development projects to transform the future of the British aerospace industry is good news for aerospace related jobs in Swindon. This includes investment in new electric aircraft technology so that UK companies are leading the way in cleaner, greener flights and will mean we are able to continue our status as a world leader in the sector.
I had the pleasure of once again visiting the Mechanics Institution Trust on Friday who have just been awarded a grant to kick start the Young Roots project. The project asks 40 young people aged 11-17 to research the cultural history of the Swindon Community. This provides Swindon with yet another excellent educational opportunity for young people to investigate our extraordinary history. I also had the chance to look around the new Community Café that the Mechanics Institution Trust are opening in the old Bakers Arms.
At the NATO Summit in Brussels this week, the Prime Minister announced that the UK will commit an additional 440 troops to NATO’s non-combatant Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan, underlining the UK’s leadership in the Alliance. The non-combat NATO Resolute Support mission is supporting the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces as they combat the Taliban insurgency and terrorist groups.
NATO is as vital today as it ever has been and our commitment to it remains steadfast. The Alliance can rely on the UK to lead by example, not just in meeting the 2 per cent pledge but by contributing our cutting-edge capabilities to operations around the world.
On the topic of educational opportunities, I am glad to hear the Department for Education's Careers Hub has pledged a share of the £5 million government grant for schools in Swindon and Wiltshire to strengthen bonds between pupils and employers. This will give a £1,000 bursary to each school to strengthen employee-pupil encounters, which do so much to fuel ambition in our youngsters. I hope this will ensure more young people go on to further education and employment when leaving school.
Last Saturday I was invited to the opening of Ash's Autos where I met Ash and his team, who are working to raise safety awareness amongst the biking community. In 2013 Ash had serious spine surgery and was told he would not be able to ride a motorbike again. However, Ash remained determined to recover from this surgery leading him to open his own garage. The garage, at Basepoint Business Centre in West Swindon, now provides the local community with a space to plan rides safely and buy safety equipment. Ash also works to promote bike safety by attending first aid courses and organising charity events such as the Ride of Respect. My best wishes go to a local Swindon business that is very much a part of our community.
As we look ahead to the fast approaching summer holidays, Swindon Libraries have created a Summer Reading Challenge for children aged 4-11 to take part in. The theme this year is Mischief Makers as we celebrate the 80th birthday of The Beano. Children can sign up to this at their local library and then read or listen to six library books to gain a medal and certificate. The Summer Reading Challenge makes a real difference when it comes to summer holiday activities and I encourage children and parents to sign up.