NPC BLACKPOOL PARLIAMENTS

17th EVENT - 2 TO 4 JUNE 2009

1st Day:

Traditional march from North Pier to Winter Gardens attracted another large gathering, and once again placards, banners and voices made onlookers in Blackpool aware of our campaign.

Approximately 2,000 packed the Winter Gardens to hear pre-selected delegates put questions and comments to a panel comprising Rosie Winterton, Labour MP from DWP, Nigel Waterson MP (Con), Paul Rowan MP (Lib Dem) and Joe Harris (NPC Vice President and former Secretary). Prof. Alan Walker (Sheffield University and regular at Parliaments) chaired proceedings, doing his best to maintain order with an irate audience frequently directing anger towards Rosie Winterton in particular. She made no apologies for government directing funds at less well-off pensioners using Means Testing, and maintained the dogmatic stance that has prevailed through Labour's term of office, failing to recognise major faults with their policy. I sent a message up to Joe Harris asking if she had been provided with a copy of NPC DVD, and also highlighting the massive amount of unpaid benefit money - £9.9 billion. He did not appear to take my points further. With this attitude from a government minister nothing is going to change.

Sound system in the hall is not brilliant, but I believe it was Nigel Waterson who stated that the NI Fund Surplus was not 'real money' (something we have heard frequently in recent years from MPs not supporting our campaign)- Joe Harris, platform delegates and audience left him in no doubt that his thinking is muddled. A statement like this does not generate confidence for pensioners if Conservatives form the next government.

2nd Day:

Spent a lot of time pursuing what I consider to be very worthwhile at events of this nature - exchanging views, information and contact detail with other delegates and supporters. Many thanks to those from Sheffield, Barnsley, Blackburn, London, Chorley and elsewhere for the intelligent discussions. We even involved some visitors to an organ concert who were nothing to do with our event.

Managed to attend 'Pensioners and the General Election (part)', and 'Pensioners and the economy' workshops. Spoke at the latter, making the point about £9.9 billion unpaid benefit, how it should be incorporated into a better State Pension, and urging delegates to use the information to destroy an erratic policy in favour our affordable alternative.

3rd Day:

Attended a session debating 'Building the pensioner movement' before moving on to the closing ceremony. As with all discussions too many delegates want to have a say and limited time is a controlling factor. Did not manage to speak, but was frustrated by the stifling effect of those given the opportunity, some of who merely made comments and waffled. I have made this point to NPC London, and also forwarded my ideas relating to the workshop topic to them - too many to list here (will provide detail to anyone reading this who may be interested). However, to those who know me you will understand that everything I have said is in constructive mode.

11 June 2009.