Normally in October each year after Parliament summer recess there is a:

LOBBY OF MPs in WESTMINSTER.

Reports below – click on item for link.

2008
Comments from previous years
 

Wednesday 22 October 2008

Soon be time to remove many obstinate incumbents from behind the walls of this building. Wonder if replacements will have the guts to introduce a fair level of State Pension above the poverty threshold? I wonder if a picture of pigs flying should follow this remark!

General observations:

More media presence, particularly at the demonstration opposite Parliament before noon. Interesting to see a policewoman noting detail of banners and placards!

Estimated 1,200+ attended from near and far.

Major Union support evident.

Kate Hoey and Kelvin Hopkins once again present to demonstrate their recognition of pensions issue and injustice of government policy.

Speakers from a variety of organisations urged strong action.

Significant points:

• I gave an interview to ITV Central News, as did a fellow campaigner from Coseley, but not aware our views were broadcast. Perhaps we were too severe with our support for a fair State Pension!

• Unfortunate campaigners, some having travelled long distances, were unable to make verbal contributions to the rally in Central Methodist Hall.
   
• Message from the platform told us about restriction on numbers being allowed intoWestminster Hall at any one time. We were informed that MPs are very busy people – understandable given that 2 months for summer recess will be followed by a 24-day Christmas break. Not too long now before we get the chance to give many of them 365 days/year off! Vote - don't lose it (read more).

• Another enlightening platform comment told us how sticky fingers of government are now being dipped into the National Insurance Fund Surplus, but not for paying a decent State Pension; Modern Politics – a Social Evil.

• We heard how MPs are provided with Briefing Papers that detail official government response when dealing with campaigners. For Pensions a key point is that meeting our demands would be equivalent to another 7p on Income Tax. This was also part of a response to a letter I had sent in recent months. Don’t disagree with increasing Income Tax by 10p and possibly 20p on TOP RATE for the rich who can afford to pay more, and should also be applicable to combined salaries and expenses for MPs. In the quest for a fairer Britain, let’s see Executives and the likes making proper contributions, with Tax Havens outlawed.

For the second year running, restrictions on numbers being allowed into Westminster Hall, under the guise of Safety and Terrorism defence, led to major queues waiting for entrance into the building. The previous week it was Blind and Partially Sighted who suffered the same ignoble experience, all in an attempt to stifle the effects of campaigning. How much more pathetic can this self-opinionated, looking-after-number-one brigade get? Is the answer to stopping this nonsense here Campaigning - missing link?

26 October 2008 (modified 6 March 2009).

Comments from previous years.

Full report detail has been archived.