Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore has co-hosted a roundtable event in Westminster focused on how the government can boost skills and training in disadvantaged communities.

The event, organised by centre-right think tank BrightBlue, included a keynote speeche from the Rt Hon Gillian Keegan MP, Secretary of State for Education.

Topics of discussion included how the government can better improve access to job opportunities and raise the skills of working-aged people, the acquisition of new skills during volunteering work and how workers can be encouraged to “Stay local, but go far”.

Mr Moore MP said: “It was fantastic to co-host an open discussion on the government’s skills agenda alongside the Secretary of State for Education this week. It is vital that businesses and local community organisations across our area get the support they need to promote local job opportunities and provide top quality skills to those who need them - especially in communities like ours, which have a strong manufacturing, engineering and tech background with skill-specific requirements.

“This discussion was about how we can do just that, and it was fantastic to hear ideas from business leaders, the voluntary sector and academia alike.

“Securing better jobs for all across Keighley, Ilkley, Silsden and the Worth Valley will always be one of my top priorities.”