Usdaw political campaigning in the spotlight

The deputy leader of the House of Commons has praised Usdaw's constructive and successful approach to political campaigning.

Philip Woolas said Usdaw delivers what its members want - citing protection against working on Christmas Day as a prime example.

The MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth was speaking at Usdaw's annual National Political Conference in Warrington (11-12 October).

Usdaw General Secretary Sir Bill Connor reminded the 50 conference delegates: "The successes of our political campaigning shows how important this work is for all our members and how important it is that we keep our political fund."

Other speakers at the conference included West Lancashire MP Colin Pickthall, the chair of Usdaw's Parliamentary Group of MPs, who talked about the union's flagship Freedom From Fear campaign.

John Hannett, Usdaw Deputy General Secretary, explained how activists would play a key role in the future of the Freedom From Fear campaign, by working closely with local councils to promote safety resources in shopping areas and the use of anti-social behaviour measures to curb persistent offenders.

Councillor Mohammed Azam, from Oldham, thanked Usdaw for its support in tackling the BNP in elections, urging political activists to keep on the campaign trail, in the build up to local elections, in June 2004. Bernadette Hartley, an Usdaw member who is standing for the European Parliament in the South West, explained how delegates can get involved in next year's election campaign.

Audrey Hendrie, an Usdaw rep from Scotland, was at her first National Political Conference. She said: "I thought it was a brilliant weekend. Everyone was down-to-earth and we were discussing how political campaigns and politicians can help our members in very practical ways. As an Usdaw rep, I am a practical person and have come away with lots of ideas of how to promote our campaigns."

• All Usdaw campaign news and information can be found at www.usdaw.org.uk/campaigns/.

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