AN East Lancashire MP has called for urgent action to stem the tide of recession sweeping through British manufacturing.
Ribble Valley's Nigel Evans told Pendle Conservative Association that unless the problem is addressed quickly, thousands of jobs could go.
And he dispelled the myth that the current down-turn was due entirely to the September 11 attacks on the USA.
"Hundreds of jobs have already been lost in the North West due to the manufacturing recession which has been going on for two years," said Mr Evans.
A recent European Union survey revealed that the United Kingdom had more regulation on industry than any other member of the European Union and Mr Evans claimed they were strangling industry.
"This Government must wake up and realise that every new regulation, and there have been 3,000 in the last year, is a decrease in employment," he said.
"Our exported goods, manufactured in the United Kingdom, create jobs in the North West and those jobs are in decline.
"Something must be done to stop this decline."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article