Young people have been badly let down by Labour. With youth unemployment at 20 per cent, the Christian Peoples Alliance will fight for what might otherwise become a lost generation, young people not in work or full time education.

Daniel Bell, 41, is a Chartered Chemist and has worked in industry for over 20 years. As a senior manager in a Cambridgeshire company, he wants to see a highly skilled workforce able to face the challenges of international competition. Beginning in schools, he is convinced the study of science and scientific enquiry to be fundamental to the future well being of industry, health and the environment. He argues that localised business hubs, that have seen East Anglia become a leading region for advanced technology businesses, should be a model for growth further afield.

Daniel has lived in the Cambridgeshire village of Isleham for the past 10 years with his wife and three children, where he attends High Street Church. He is a long term supporter of the local Christian Youth charity. For a number of years Daniel has supported and been involved with fundraising for the local Youth for Christ centre and has been a volunteer helper for the organisation.

As MP, Daniel will argue for a new approach to re-skilling the economy by ensuring that every young person, regardless of academic aptitude, has the opportunity to be recognised for the talents they can bring. He says:

"The government's aspiration for 50% of school leavers to enter Higher Education has damaged academic standards, and frustrated many students who would have been far more successful learning a trade or other vocational career pathways. The principle of day-release and apprenticeship is sound, but there has been little incentive for either large or small and medium enterprises to invest in their workforce. In place of apprenticeships have come a variety of short term programmes, with associated training too superficial to be of benefit to employers. Quick fixes have to end."

Daniel argues that the natural talents and aptitudes of students should be identified whilst at school. He wants to see vocational routes encouraged where this is appropriate rather than necessarily encouraging a Higher Education pathway. He also backs financial support for national apprenticeship schemes embedded in the workplace and for an increase in the focus of FE colleges on vocational training.

Daniel joined the Christian Peoples Alliance as he believes the other political parties do not offer a choice consistent with the Christian faith. His decision to stand for election is motivated by a desire to extend the choice of voters within South East Cambridgeshire and provide them with an opportunity to use their vote to support a Christian Democratic Party, underpinned by true Christian values.

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