15th BLACKPOOL PARLIAMENT - 2007 

Courtesy of Cannock Seniors

This is likely to be remembered as the 'STAY OUT OF THE KITCHEN IF YOU CAN'T STAND THE HEAT' event.

Hazel Blears, Labour Party Chair was scheduled to appear but cancelled at the last minute. In a letter to NPC she cited attendance at a close friend's funeral as the reason; very understandable had it been a close relative. Many delegates only became aware of the situation on arrival at the Winter Gardens when frustration and anger became very apparent.

How odd this should happen when she had just launched a 10,000-word manifesto for Labour's future, Mr Blair was due to announce the date he would step aside as Prime Minister, and campaigning for Deputy Prime Minister would inevitably step up a gear, with Ms Blears being one of the candidates. Given her position she could not even organise a replacement - how arrogant and dismissive can this government get? In hindsight we should have fetched a donkey off the beach and I am sure we would have got a far greater level of respect.

The cynics amongst us, and I am one, put two and two together and our level of intelligence came up with FOUR as the answer - FURTHERING ONE'S CAREER WAS MORE IMPORTANT THAN PENSIONER ISSUES. Undoubtedly she, or any replacement would have been given a rough ride because of governments inept efforts to tackle the pension question in a responsible and fair-minded manner. Pathetic is probably not strong enough to describe the situation that evolved, but it will do for now. My letter of complaint has been sent to her constituency office in Salford today, 13 May 2007. NPC Executive members prepared a statement criticising Labour's action and it will be forwarded to Government in the near future.

Parliament Proceedings

First day:

• Parade from North Pier in blustery, but sunny conditions by large majority of 2,000+ attending Parliament. Traffic halted on promenade by Tower until all on march had crossed. Banners and Placards made general public aware of our campaign and they acknowledged us. Cannock Seniors banner was carried by Pat & myself.
• Following opening addresses by Frank Cooper (NPC President) and the Lord Mayor of Blackpool, David Laws MP (Lib Dem Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions), and Nigel Waterson MP  (Conservative, Shadow Minister for Work and Pensions gave speeches). Delegates then had their say, albeit many wanting to speak did not get an opportunity due to time limitations. A full transcript of proceedings will appear on NPC website in due course. This will be a better way to assess what was said as opposed to me trying to summarise the many points made. Nigel Waterson left the hall early without explanation and this did not please the audience.
• The day closed with a unanimous vote accepting the following statement that will be used by NPC as appropriate:

This 15th Annual National Pensioners' Parliament draws attention to the increasing anger and frustration at the Government's disgraceful neglect of older people.

In spite of Britain's wealth, millions of men and women struggle to make ends meet on pensions well below the poverty line. They face council tax and rising utility bills which bear no relation to their income. Thousands die every winter due to poor housing and cold, and an increasing number are means-tested and forced to sell their homes in order to pay for care they were promised would be free 'from cradle to grave'. Often living alone, many are excluded from community, friends and relatives due to lack of local amenities, adequate public transport and high fares.

Pensioners will only support electoral candidates who pledge to change this state of affairs and ensure that younger generations do not join the ranks of the poorest and most neglected pensioners in Europe.

This Pensioners' Parliament calls on the Government to immediately raise the basic state retirement pension for all men and women to £119 per week - uprating it annually in line with the rise in average earnings, replace council tax with a fairer system, provide free nationwide public transport and free health and long-term care of the highest standards.

During the evening we combined more campaign discussions with social entertainment at the British Legion Club. 

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Second Day:

• The day started with a working breakfast at the Claremont Hotel. Enid Irving, Editor of Forum to Forum invited us to join her and others - eggs and bacon took a back seat as we discussed issues. Nice to meet you again Enid - will keep in touch. 
• Pre-prepared Bills covering HEALTHY LIVING, NATIONAL INSURANCE FUND, PUBLIC SERVICES, HOUSING, LIFELONG LEARNING and PRINCIPLES OF THE NHS, including amendments submitted prior to and during the Parliament, were debated by separate audiences in different halls during morning and afternoon sessions. Detail for consideration and comment had previously been sent to Regions, Branches and Affiliates. We chose to join the N I FUND debate and I proposed that control should be transferred from Treasury to DWP. Although money is 'ring-fenced' Brown has effectively used it by borrowing against its collateral value, thus allowing him to spend it on a whole variety of things other than Pensions. Finalised Bills, including amendments, will be produced in due course, circulated and published on NPC website. A link will be created here.
• During the afternoon we spent time in the Winter Gardens Mall talking to delegates moving between halls. We met Andy Day from North Staffs who was trying to gather contact detail for other groups with a view to developing an information communications network. Many thanks to the 3 ladies from Bradford who I stopped - we had a constructive conversation and they gave Andy contact details.  

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Third Day:

• Campaign sessions in four halls covered DIGNITY IN CARE, FIGHTING POVERTY, RIGHT TO FREE TRAVEL, and the one I attended PENSIONERS AND THE MEDIA.
• Vivian White from BBC Panorama was guest speaker and at the outset he said we had got the wrong person. He knew delegates wanted to know how media could be attracted to our organisation and did provide some suggestions based upon stories involving individuals and unique experiences.
  As an example he asked "how many if asked their preferences for programmes to suit their taste would opt for Pensions Convention Issues as primetime viewing"? His question was answered with silence - enough said. That leaves the ball in our court albeit we must continue to believe our campaign warrants media attention, and think of ways to project it more forcibly. I have already circulated one proposal for a NATIONAL SWITCH OFF DAY combined with demonstrations outside TV/Radio studios.
• A keynote speech by Professor Alan Walker from Sheffield University concluded the Parliament and he rallied everyone with a factual performance that emphasised the poor deal Pensioners are getting from the Labour Government. Incidentally have you noticed 'NEW' has been dropped from Labour's title.
• So it is back to the Branches/Regions to continue the fight for a fair deal - see you all next year God willing.

Overall this concluded an enjoyable event but we possibly have to re-consider the first day format in particular. With many of 2,000+ delegates wanting to have a say, opportunity is very restricted and I think there was obvious frustration - the Chair, Dot Gibson had an unenviable task.