Letter from Parliament - Simon Danczuk MP

Simon Danczuk MP

The world of football prepared to bid farewell to one of its greatest managers this week, as Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement. Just about every superlative has already been used to describe Sir Alex, but, for me, he always stood out as someone who invested in youth and was able to get the best out of young players.

Developing young talent is critical to achieving success anywhere - and this equally applies in Rochdale. I'm pleased that we have one of the youngest councillors in the country here on our council, and, at just 20, Liam O'Rourke has proved to be a breath of fresh air.

There was a time in Rochdale when it wasn't uncommon for young people to want to become councillors. Cyril Smith and Michael English are two good examples of young Rochdale councillors who went on to become MPs. But in recent years this has become much less common, and we need to make it easier for young people to get involved in politics.

Seeking to get young people involved in helping improve Rochdale at every level is something I'm passionate about. That's why I'll be attending the launch this week of Retail Ready People's pop up shop in the Wheatsheaf. It's great to see young people trying to shape the future of our high street and the skills and experience they'll get from running their own shop will build their confidence and stand them in great stead for the future.

There are lots of people working hard to nurture young talent in our Borough and Rochdale's Sixth Form College is a shining example. As the only sixth form college across the north to be graded 'outstanding' in a recent Ofsted inspection, they are doing some fantastic work in equipping young people with the skills they need to get on in life.

Helping people get the best start in life is one of the reasons I went into politics and that's why I was horrified to hear from a constituent recently whose wife had given birth in the car park of the Royal Oldham Hospital. On two occasions she had been turned away because of a shortage of beds and this is simply not good enough.

Last month the Royal College of Nursing warned that a shortage of beds was putting the NHS under incredible strain. I believe the NHS is now facing a full-blown crisis that David Cameron must get to grips with.