FOR years, I have tried to watch the coverage of the Labour Party Conference to hear the views of the real Labour people, the rank-and-file workers who brought a breath of fresh air and sincerity to it.

I could hear these people speak for or against motions.

In the recent Daily Politics TV programme we were treated to numerous comments from trade union leaders and pensioner campaigners outside the hall. We then heard Gordon Brown regale us with the latest spin on "progressive consensus".

On another occasion we were treated to a view of the conference hall with a voice-over from someone called David, telling us what he thought they might be going to talk about! The important debates might as well have been held on Mars. This wasn't coverage, more a cover-up!

I no longer belong to the so-called New Labour Party but I know many members who cannot get to conference, and believe that everyone is entitled to see and hear what is going on in their name and not just to hear the aspirations of those who represent them.

One important subject debated after the TV coverage, was the re-nationalisation of the railways -- dismissed in one sentence by Gordon Brown. Despite an overwhelming vote in favour, the leadership will ignore it. Perhaps that has something to do with the secret ingredient -- EU Directive 91/440.

It would have been nice for the "independent" BBC to let us hear the full debate -- or would that have been too democratic?

J. HOMEWOOD