Chamber chat for Euro-MP

Chris Charles (PTS Consulting), Frank Rothwell (Manchester Cabins), Catherine Bardsley (Lawson, Coppock and Hart), Phil Houghton (Dreamberry Design). Front row, Arlene McCarthy with Paul Roberts (president OCC).

Newly-promoted Euro-MP Arlene McCarthy visited members of Oldham’s top businesses when she took part in a question and answer session on Friday.

Ms McCarthy, a Labour North-West MEP, has recently been elected as vice chairman of the EU’s Economic and Monetary Affairs Select Committee, which plays a key role in drafting new legislation in the financial sector.

She visited members of Oldham Chamber of Commerce at the Clough Manor Hotel in Denshaw.

She said: “It is important to keep in touch with local businesses and hear directly from them.

“In particular, I am keen the local views on how the banks are supporting them through the financial crisis.

“My new committee is taking the big decisions on Europe’s economic recovery plan.

“We must get the real economy moving again, and make sure consumers are protected and informed in the financial services sector.”