IT WAS disappointing to see the latest unemployment figures showed a rise in the North East, and in particular the youth sector of the figures (Echo, July 17).

The North-East unemployment rate is now 10.1 per cent after the last two quarters showed the figure falling. It is the only area to rise when all the rest have fallen.

Why? Could it be that we are less important than the rest of UK? At that rate we are over 50 per cent worst off than other areas of the UK. Why?

At least our newly elected MEP, Jonathan Arnott, used his maiden speech in the European Parliament to highlight some of the reasons why youth unemployment is going up in all of the member states and in particular the North East of England. We are not training for the needs of the 21st century. The policies produced by the EU are based on a situation prevalent at the time its formation, and they have not developed to match the needs of industry and business today.

We are standing on the verge of a fourth industrial revolution and yet our thinking is based on the first or second one.

In this area we have a wealth of skills and abilities which is evidenced by the many businesses which are part of this fourth revolution: sub-sea companies that are world leaders, carbon capture technology that is leading the world, graphene manufacture and many other innovative sectors of the economy – yet we are funded and supported like the poor relation in this partnership.

Where is the infrastructure to underpin these industries?

Why do we not get the sort of money that is being talked about for HS2, Crossrail and London airports?

Perhaps it is because the established parties like keeping the North East needy?

We need vision from our politicians, not dogma. Work not words.

Chris Gallacher, chairman and Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Ukip (Redcar & Cleveland).