David is to be congratulated on his extensive research, as a main player in the formation of a solidarity group in the NE. I was somewhat disappointed with the rewards or lack of such for our region, when a good proportion of the new labour cabinet came from traditional labour stronghold seats in our region. Further the involvement of our military ln Afghanistan then Iraq toadying up to an increasingly hard right US Republican administration, not to mention supplying erroneous "intelligence" in support of the illegal US lust for vengeance. I and indeed new labour cabinet members found it impossible to support the actions of our party. I have finally learnt the truth in the old adage "be careful what you ask for" or in this case vote for! Merry Christmas John Mason