The National Pensions Debate came to the South West on, Tuesday 26 July, as Secretary of State David Blunkett sought the views of people of all ages in Bristol. Mr Blunkett and Pensions Reform Minister Stephen Timms joined around 40 members of the local community at the @Bristol centre, to discuss how best to establish a consensus that will provide the stability, certainty and fairness in the pensions system. Earlier Mr Blunkett met a group of young people at Connexions, West of England for an informal chat about their views on the future of pensions and had discussions with South West businesses at an event held in the city by AXA.

Mr Blunkett said:

“One of the first things I said I wanted to do when I came to the department was take the debate on the future of pensions direct to the people it would affect. That is why I am here in the south west today talking to people as young as 16.

“I want to reach out to people, to take the public into our confidence; to debate, listen and share the problems and ensure we all have ownership and understanding of the possible solutions.

“That’s why events like today’s in Bristol are crucial to help establish a consensus that will provide the stability, certainty and fairness we all want to see in the pensions system.

“It is not enough just for politicians or industry to agree a way forward. This whole process will only work if people who will ultimately be affected by the decisions we make understand why they have been taken and know they have played a part in reaching the solution we all seek to the pensions challenge.”

Pensions Minister, Stephen Timms, added:

“It was important to be able to hear the views of a wide range of people of different ages and different backgrounds here in Bristol. There was a real desire to discuss and to get to know the issues and I look forward to being involved in more events across the country.”