More that unites us than divides us, says Jane Howard

Councillor Jane Howard

Councillor Jane Howard, Conservative parliamentary candidate for Rochdale, recalls recent events.

“Last week I went to two vigils organised following the atrocities in Manchester – one a formal minute’s silence and service at the Cenotaph and the other an unofficial gathering organised by young Rochdalian Sarah Pickles and her friends.

"Hers was a spontaneous gathering to demonstrate our love and solidarity with Manchester and a refusal to bow down to terrorism and those who seek to promote hate and division. Hundreds came along in support.

“A week ago I was delighted to be a guest and impromptu speaker at KYP’s phenomenal Diversity awards at the Town Hall, recognising the hundreds of selfless volunteers across the borough who work across all communities to break down barriers, fight inequality and raise aspirations among our young people. I have worked over the years with regeneration projects and community groups across the borough and knew many faces well. I remarked on the night that Rochdale was memorably the ‘birthplace of co-operation’ and that the work highlighted through the awards ceremony surely stood testament to that – it’s become somewhat of a cliché, but there is more that unites us than divides us.

“Not long before that, I was proud to join fellow Councillors and residents at the Rainbow Flag raising to demonstrate our commitment to stand strong against all forms of homophobia, transphobia and prejudice.

“These events and symbols are the Rochdale I know. The Rochdale I love. Yes, we have our fair share of problems like every town, but we work in partnership to make a difference and make things better every day. We are a vibrant, multi-cultural place with all the shared wealth of knowledge, values and skills that that brings. We stood together throughout the race riots in Oldham and we stand hand in hand now in the face of adversity.

“I am proud of this town – our roots, our tolerance, our diversity, our beautiful green spaces and young people like Sarah who give us so much hope for the future.
“If elected as MP, I hope to be able to spread the word far and wide in the media that Rochdale is a great place to live and work. Too long have we been battered and bruised in the papers and unfairly portrayed.

“I want to address this and shout loud and proud about all the good work and opportunities this town offers to business, to young people, to the elderly, to shoppers, to visitors. Our town centre regeneration is a great start and I would continue this investment in our environment to smarten up our image. The new Riverside shopping complex is an exciting development and I will work to attract more big names to the centre.

“I want the world to know the real Rochdale and bring back the pride to this strong and unified northern town.”