This is the February edition of the monthly newsletter from Leeds Live Editor Wayne Ankers. It is sent exclusively to our newsletter subscribers first - to sign up to receive it, along with the latest breaking Leeds news, click here.
Thousands of people marched through Leeds on Wednesday as teachers, train drivers and other union members walked out as they push for higher pay, better working conditions and they try to protect the right to strike.
It was the latest strike which has already seen paramedics and nursing staff take strike action with Yorkshire postal workers, rail workers and bus drivers having also walked out over the last few months.
And the strike action looks set to continue over the next few months as union officials and government appear as far apart as they ever have over the issues.
Those speaking to us in Leeds pointed out that during Covid they were classed as key workers but now it comes to pay the government could not care less.
One teacher told us: “It's not only about the pay, it's the work we have to do and the amount of time we spend outside of school planning and preparing, we need a real-terms pay increase and so far, the government have stayed silent."
The strike action shut 25 schools across Leeds and there are future industrial action days planned for the end of February and March. That means one thing, schools struggle and children don’t get the education they deserve. It is time the government dug deep and found the money - not just for teachers but also for nurses and other important professions that almost all of us rely on. It is not the teachers they would be investing in, it is the education of our children. Do you agree with the teacher’s strike? Let us know in our poll below or click here. We would also love you to have your say in the comments.
This week marked three years since the UK left the EU which left many people wondering whether it was the right thing to do. Leeds was one of the only places in Yorkshire to vote remain and it would be interesting to see if people living in the city would vote the same way now. Take our poll to let us know if you think it was the right decision to vote for Brexit or whether Leeds was leading the way with their vote - and let us know in the comments why you think that.
And finally it was wonderful to see the Princess of Wales visiting Leeds this week as part of her Shaping Us campaign, highlighting how babies and children develop in response to their earliest experiences. The campaign runs in tandem with the council’s Child Friendly Leeds scheme and Kate visited Kirkgate Market to chat with locals and pose for photos.
Let's talk!
Remember if there is an issue that is affecting you or we have missed a story drop me a line and let me know about it. You can email me at wayne.ankers@reachplc.com
My top picks
1. There are so many cool places to live in Leeds but we spent an afternoon in Meanwood - billed as the coolest neighbourhood in Britain - and we were more than impressed. See what reporter Jasmine Norden found here
2. Emmerdale stars love The Reliance restaurant and our story on the popular spot getting a revamp was also very popular with more than 25,000 people reading it. You can sign up to our Emmerdale newsletter here which brings you a daily digest of all the latest news and gossip. And, for the latest news on bars, restaurants and shopping in Leeds you can also subscribe to our Best in Leeds newsletter here
3. And we loved the determination of rapper James Rhule who has quit his jobs and signed up to Universal Credit to pursue his music dream. Good luck Jay. Read more
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