April 28: Cameron rolls up his sleeves

Despite the Prime Minister injecting some much-needed passion into his latest speech, he still needs to be accentuating the positives rather than reverting to the negativity that he recently promised 
to eschew.

Even though it is significant that Mr Cameron has signalled an ambition to create 600,000 businesses every year by 2020 – the equivalent of three million companies over the course of the next Parliament – numbers alone will not suffice.

People, and particularly those individuals thinking of setting up their own company, want assurances that the Government will be on their side – and they want to know what the Tories will do to help new enterprises flourish in areas of social deprivation or those countryside communities that endure non-existent broadband coverage.

Small businesses matter – they became the backbone of the economy following the diminution of traditional manufacturing industries – and Britain will be in a better position to survive the global challenges of the future if this sector has even stronger foundations. Yet, despite the innovation of those individuals who have launched their own firm, there is still a sense that such companies only matter to the political elite on the eve of an election. This is wrong. Every decision by the next Government, irrespective of its make-up, needs to be seen through the prism of small businesses – and whether the proposed measures will be beneficial or not. If this change of mindset takes place, Britain and the wider economy will both benefit.

Teacher’s legacy

Remembering Ann Maguire

IT is testament to the affection for Leeds schoolteacher Ann Maguire that her death is as keenly felt now as it was in the aftermath of the shocking classroom attack that claimed her life.

A dedicated and committed educator for whom each one of her pupils and their welfare was of paramount importance, the first anniversary of her death at the hands of student Will Cornick is being marked by quiet contemplation of the positive impact she made on so many young lives.

Tributes adorning a memorial board outside Corpus Christi College yesterday spanned the decades, underlining the enduring warmth and compassion that was the hallmark of this outstanding teacher’s career. It is believed that the irrational hatred which drove Cornick to kill was triggered in some part by Mrs Maguire’s decision to punish him for his failure to complete homework as she sought to unlock his potential. Yet one of the messages posted outside the school gates through which Mrs Maguire passed for four decades was from a former pupil who praised her willingness to keep his behaviour in check and her refusal to give up on him. It concludes: “I thank you for believing in me and will never forget you.”

Here, in one sentence, is the essence of good teaching and the embodiment of the qualities Mrs Maguire brought to her role within a school which regarded her as their collective “mother”. A fund has now been established in her name offering bursaries in artistic subjects. The love, dedication and belief

she did so much to engender within her school and profession is just as tangible a legacy.

Rules of the road

Time to enforce Highway Code

PUBLIC attitudes towards road safety today are thankfully very different to the 1970s when drink-driving was so prevalent. Thanks to rigorous enforcement, a zero tolerance approach is shown towards those motorists who get behind the wheel of a vehicle while inebriated. Yet, judging by the number of motorists who admit to breaking road safety laws on a regular basis, perhaps it is time for the police to be similarly proactive when it comes to other breaches of the Highway Code such as those who persist in driving while simultaneously using a hand-held mobile phone.

There is simply no excuse for the selfishness that is now commonplace across Yorkshire, whether it is reckless driving, inconsiderate parking or a basic lack of awareness about cyclists and pedestrians. Like it or not, traffic laws and parking restrictions exist for a

very simple reason – and that is to protect the safety of all. It is time that they were upheld.