BRADFORD South MP Gerry Sutcliffe has called for stronger links between the unions and the Labour party as his 20-year Parliamentary career draws to a close.

Mr Sutcliffe was speaking at the Yorkshire and the TUC Humber Regional annual meeting and conference, held in Bradford over the weekend and also highlighted his desire to see the city play a central role in developing a 'powerhouse' in the region with devolved powers.

Labour has been criticised by some political commentators for its strong links with the trade union movement and its reliance on them for funding, but Mr Sutcliffe insisted there would be benefits from closer links.

His career started in the unions, when he became the youngest full time official with the now defunct Sogat printworkers' union, before moving on to a political career on Bradford Council and in Parliament.

He opened the two day meeting, which took place at the Cedar Court Hotel, and said: "I want to see an even closer link between the trade unions and the Labour party.

"Even when we disagree, we need to make sure we put opportunities for working people high on the agenda.

"When people say 'you are all the same', well we are not. Anyone who has been a trade unionist and has been in the Labour party knows that."

Speaking on the city's future he said: "I want Bradford to play its part within the region. I believe the Yorkshire and Humber region doesn't get its just desserts and I want Bradford to be part of a powerhouse.

"If it is good enough in Scotland for five million, it is good enough in Yorkshire and Humber for 6.5m.

"Link that to what is happening in the North West. We should be getting more from this Government in terms of investment and I want to see a strong link between Bradford and the Yorkshire and Humber region," he said.

During his early years with Sogat, there were similar issues to those faced by today's communities in terms of a need for a good health service, the availability of decent housing and good jobs.

But he defended the advances made by Labour and said the proudest moment of his career was being made Employment Minister. Among his achievements was the introduction of the Corporate Manslaughter bill which helped to protect workers.

Other family friendly policies had also been introduced during that era, he said.

Also speaking was political activist Harry Smith, 92, who has previously lived in Bradford and has experienced life in Britain before the welfare state existed.

He spoke of the importance of trade unions and the threat posed to the welfare state by the actions of the current Government, done in the name of austerity.

"My generation built a strong safety network, health care, affordable housing and demanded that education was everyone's right. We negotiated laws to protect workers.

"Sadly my generation's greatest achievement, the welfare state, has become tarnished by the politics of austerity. If we don't return to the principles of social and economic justice, my past will become your future," he said.