Letter to Hazel Blears from Les Cooper

To:          Ms Hazel Blears, Jubilee House, 51 The Crescent, Salford, M5 4WX.

Dear Ms Blears 

15th ANNUAL PENSIONERS PARLIAMENT – BLACKPOOL 2007. 

Almost certainly you will be receiving a number of complaints about Labour Ministers’ attitude towards this great event directly and indirectly. You had obviously accepted an invitation to attend, then cited a close friend’s funeral as the reason for withdrawing just days before our 3-day Parliament was due to take place (would have been very understandable had it been a close relative). Combined with your party’s inability to provide a replacement, this was an arrogant snub against the NPC and all Pensioners. That was the mood when news filtered through to over 2,000 delegates who had come together from all corners of the UK and Italy, and this letter is being written to reinforce their anger. I am not seeking an apology because the word SORRY is too convenient when the damage has been done. 

What a coincidence Labour’s non-appearance happened during a week when you launched your own manifesto, Mr Blair was due to announce the date he would step down as Prime Minister, and you would be looking to step up your campaign to become Deputy Prime Minister. FOOD FOR THOUGHT! 

Undoubtedly the audience was relishing you being present because they were armed with constructive detail that would have almost certainly stifled any attempt to placate Pensioners with Government’s so-called ‘achievements’ using continued Means Testing and Pension Credits. Temperature in the kitchen would have been high. Obviously from behind the Ivory Tower walls of Westminster you can fragment real debate by reducing contact to individuals or small groups. The Blackpool Parliament would have been a stern test of your ability to deal with a knowledgeable, highly intelligent gathering – people who regard INTEGRITY as one of life’s main attributes. 

Now I am going to offer you a chance to redeem the situation by asking you to consider: 

·         Organising a venue that will accommodate at least 2,000 NPC delegates, paid for from party expenses.

·         Arranging overnight stay to include Evening Meal, Bed and Breakfast, again at party expense. I am sure delegates will arrange their own travel.

·         Consulting with NPC about dates and convenient location.

·         Inviting the media to attend.

·         Bringing along the Pensions Minister together with two MPs sympathetic to the Pensioners’ campaign. 

Let’s create a situation whereby Pensioners can challenge Government policy with factual detail and allow UK citizens an opportunity to witness real debate. Onus is now on you to redress the Blackpool situation in honourable manner – do not let this chance pass you by. 

Included with this letter is a package of information, including a copy DVD relevant to points I wanted to make at the Parliament, and is being sent to your Salford constituency office. I am trying to avoid the Westminster Ministerial Administrative Firewall that frequently gives paid officials responsibility to respond, usually quoting Government Policy whilst ignoring valid points that have been made and require answers. 

In conclusion, I would point out that a significant number of Labour MPs have demonstrated support for the NPC Campaign during 2006/7, and feel sure many of them will be extremely embarrassed by events of the past week. 

Regards 

Les Cooper

Very angry convention member.