Chancellor visits two local charities

Tatton MP George Osborne was in Wilmslow and Styal on Friday, 30th October to visit two local charities.

First of all he called in to the Hawthorn Lane branch of Cancer Research to meet volunteers and discuss the Government's commitment to improving cancer outcomes across the country. Mr Osborne was given a tour of the shop by staff and volunteers and spoke to them about their work.

He said: "The staff and volunteers in our local Cancer Research shops play a crucial role in the fight against cancer. They give their time to raise millions of pounds for research into this all too common disease and it is no exaggeration to say that they are all lifesavers."

"We are absolutely committed to improving cancer outcomes throughout the UK, and are supporting research by protecting the science budget in cash terms through the last Parliament and again this year. I am proud that as a result of the measures put in place by this Government and charities such as Cancer Research UK, cancer survival rates are now the best they have ever been and we are on track to save an additional 12,000 lives every year compared to just five years ago."

Last year, Cancer Research UK spent £434 million on research, including their contribution to the Francis Crick Institute, making them the largest funder of cancer research in Europe.

Afterwards the Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne visited The Clink, a restaurant staffed by inmates from HMP Styal, to find out how the charity is helping to rehabilitate offenders by preparing them for life outside the prison walls.

Mr Osborne was shown around the restaurant kitchens by Chris Moore, CEO of The Clink Charity, and Prison Governor Mahala McGuffie. The restaurant, situated in the hundred year old former chapel within the prison grounds, is staffed by the female prisoners and has been awarded The Sustainable Restaurant Association's 3 Star Award.

The women are working towards City & Guilds' NVQs in Food Service and Food Preparation. They will also be mentored following their release in order to help them find work within the UK hospitality industry.

After meeting the team, Mr Osborne said: "Helping prisoners to turn their lives around is a crucial part of our criminal justice system. The Clink Charity is doing an incredible job of providing these women with essential skills and they are really engaging with the process."