Theresa May Visits Maidenhead Advertiser Offices
The Maidenhead Advertiser published an exclusive interview with Theresa May today after the Prime Minister visited her local paper’s offices.
The Prime Minister was in her constituency two weekends ago and visited the paper as part of the visit.
The paper decided not to publish the interview last week as election campaigning was suspended following the terrorist attack in Manchester.
The Prime Minister, who has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with the Advertiser since her election as an MP nearly 20 years ago, was interviewed by Advertiser reporter Will Taylor who quizzed her on a range of local and national subjects including Brexit, Heathrow airport and schools.
The Prime Minister gave her backing to local newspapers for Local Newspaper Week along with Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn and Liberal Democrats leader Tim Farron.
In a message of support, the Prime Minister wrote: “Great local newspapers are at the heart of their communities. They keep their readers informed and entertained, and help hold those of us in politics to account.
“The dedicated journalism of local reporters, combined with the campaigning muscle provided by trusted local titles, has helped to improve the lives of people in communities across the whole country.”
Mr Corbyn said: “Local papers do so much more than simply keeping their readers informed. They are a glue that binds communities, celebrating local people’s achievements and accomplishments and, in equal measure, standing with them when challenges or obstacles arise.
“By reflecting the concerns, hopes and aspirations of different sections of the local community, local papers foster a spirit of understanding and cooperation.
“In this way, local papers will always make a difference to the towns, villages and cities which they serve.”
Mr Farron wrote: “In the run up to the general election, it is essential for people to be able to access trustworthy information and make well-informed decisions.
“By investing in high quality local journalism, local newspapers enable and support this process which underpins democracy.
“I believe passionately in a bright future for local newspapers and a free unfettered press because they are so important for our democracy. Anything which impinges upon the ability of local papers to hold power to account must be resisted.”