THE Bishop of Blackburn has praised the delights of Lancashire but warned of the inequalities that blight the county in his maiden speech to the House of Lords.

The Rt Rev Julian Henderson made his first contribution at Westminster during a debate on the government's new Trade Bill.

He said: "As my accent betrays, I come as a southerner, having worked in London, Sussex and Surrey but for the last seven years in the North-West, serving most of the Red-Rose county of Lancashire.

"Lancashire is remarkable for the diversity of its communities and achievements, past and present - boasting that significant role in the cotton industry; a strong connection with Her Majesty the Queen as the Duke of Lancaster; the vision of George Fox on Pendle Hill; the name 'sirloin' beef from Hoghton Tower; the annual shield-hanging ceremony in Lancaster Castle, which goes back to Richard the Lionheart; and, of course, the beautiful ​Trough of Bowland.

"Lancashire’s glory is not just in the past: the North-West is the home of graphene, that new super-material; of the well-known golf course at Lytham St Annes; for some, not so excitingly, of 'Strictly Come Dancing' in the iconic ballroom at Blackpool Tower.

"Also, 18 million tourists visit Blackpool each year for its different attractions.

"Yet Blackpool includes one of the most deprived wards in the country.

"This House must not be blind or deaf to the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable communities in the north of our country.

"Talk of a northern powerhouse must not be allowed to fade away into the history books, but must energise the commitment to improve the infrastructure and economy of the north.

"The impact of Covid-19 has only exacerbated and increased the inequality between rich and poor. Blackburn has an unemployment rate of almost six per cent,

"This is much higher than the national average and, according to a recent Lancashire Telegraph article, it could be as much as 18 per cent when hidden unemployment is included.

"I hope to speak in this House for the great people of the north of our country."

Trade minister Lord Grimstone of Boscobel said "I join others in congratulating the Bishop of Blackburn. His comments on equality and human rights were pitched very nicely."