THE language used by the Labour Government is full of 'not only but also' policy, a Lancaster University professor told a public meeting this week.

But city MP Hilton Dawson put up a spirited defence of his leaders as Professor Norman Fairclough launched his new book, 'New Labour, New Language.'

Around 70 members of the public head Prof Fairclough describe how New Labour's language had changed in three different ways, leading to more Government documents which promoted policy rather than allowing a debate.

He also described how: "Tony Blair the politician is deeply rooted in Tony Blair the person."

Hilton Dawson replied: "You have to understand New Labour in the context of a highly successful Tory Government and the most successful party politician of my generation, Mrs Thatcher."

He also described how he swung toward New Labour after his work as Labour's agent failed to unseat: "one of the most hysterical MPs in the House of Commons," Dame Elaine Kellet-Bowman in 1987.