What fantastic news that the coalition Government spent its first Cabinet meeting outside London in Bradford.

There will have been many cities vying for this and I do not know who is responsible for making it happen – but well done!

What is important is we build on this Westminster connection, not just for Bradford, but for the region as a whole.

I have long held the view that some of the shortages – i.e. lack of funds that Bradford and the region has suffered from – is due to a lack of Westminster support.

That has changed in the past few years and is continuing to change for the better.

Areas like the North East, North West and Sheffield have received vast sums of money to deliver an integrated transport system. Why hasn’t West Yorkshire?

Now we have their attention then let’s make the case and get our fair share.

That’s all we are asking for.

We should not be deterred by budget constraints – this should galvanise us into making sure that our schemes are the best, whether it be in transport, health, education or other sectors.

The best schemes in the next five years will receive funding, and simply put we have to the “The Best” – now that should not deter anybody in Bradford.

We have the best parks, the best theatres, the best university, the best heritage, etc, etc and most importantly The Best People – so let’s make the most of it.