LAST week I attended the Labour Party conference in Brighton. The last conference before a General Election always receives considerable attention as the parties try to set out their vision for the next Parliament.

While not hiding from the fact Labour are in a difficult position in the opinion polls, I was pleased that the Prime Minister's speech was so heavily focused on policy.

For it is getting the policies right that will lead to a more prosperous future for people in North Staffordshire and in the country as a whole.

The Prime Minister set out a number of policies which address the real needs of the country and I for one left the conference hall convinced more than ever of the importance of Labour winning a fourth term.

I was particularly encouraged by the announcement of a new National Care Service. With an ageing population, caring for pensioners is becoming increasingly difficult with families often unable to afford the care their loved ones need.

The Prime Minister therefore set out plans to bring together NHS services and local care provision into a new service to help the elderly receive the care they need and allow them to stay in their homes for as long as possible.

There will also be free personal care in people's own homes for those that need it most.

The Prime Minister announced that the Government, in conjunction with the Federation of Small Businesses, will be creating 10,000 internships for the unemployed. Crucially, there will also be the creation of 10,000 green job placements, so marrying the needs of the environment with the need to create jobs.