CAMPAIGNING is what Politics is all about, and I noted some criticism of my campaigning activities on these pages recently. Ever since I was elected to Parliament I have campaigned for better pensions, even a return to the indexing of pensions to average male earnings again.

A few weeks ago I met Gordon Brown, just before he presented his Pre-Budget Statement, and he asked me if my main issue was still the same, so I asked him if he could remember what it was. To my surprise he could, so I told him that pensions was my main concern, among others. Therefore, I am pleased that he has listened.

Several of the campaigns with which I have been closely associated have borne fruit recently. The late Captain Bill Harris (and some others) have lobbied me hard on compensation for former Japanese POWs. As a Member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group that has campaigned for justice, I was very pleased last week when a Labour Government finally announced the awards. I'm only sorry that Bill isn't with us to celebrate!

Last week, too, relatives of the 48 crew members and two wives who died when the MV Derbyshire sank in the Pacific in a hurricane saw a conclusion to their extremely long campaign to have the names of the crew cleared of negligence. Under pressure from the All-Party Group on the MV Derbyshire, of which I have been a very supportive member, John Prescott re-opened the public enquiry, which led to that announcement last week.

The MV Derbyshire enquiry ought to impact on the safety of all those who sail on bulk carriers, which are still sinking at sea at an unacceptable rate. Therefore, our campaign has to continue but adopt a new course now.

I have campaigned too, again through membership of another All-Party Parliamentary Group, for increased compensation payments to be made to vaccine-

damaged children and, a few weeks ago, our Labour Government delivered on that score too.

I will keep campaigning for injustice wherever I find it, especially when it affects my Bolton SE constituents!

For details of Advice Surgeries please ring Karen on 01204 371202.