THANKS to Citizen Smith for acknowledging that I work hard on behalf of constituents. That work would be assisted if he would report facts rather than completely mis-representing me:

I have never 'suggested that some subtle form of racist campaign resulted in such a heavy Labour loss recently'. Before election day I complained about the highly personal tone of some election material, I found it particularly offensive as it was directed at a member of a minority community. However, it would be absurd and disgraceful to suggest there was any sort of racist campaign. I never have.

As to the local election results - I've already said 'democracy is a jolly fine thing' - anybody who has been elected deserves some respect and a fair opportunity to show what they can do. Shortly after May 6th, I wrote to every newly elected councillor of whatever party in Lancaster & Wyre to offer them my sincere congratulations and to stress my commitment to working together on behalf of the whole community. This was reported to you.

I simply wouldn't dream of suggesting that anybody is 'thick' or 'dim' . Just about the best part of the best job in the world is meeting a vast range of ,local people who have knowledge, skills, experience and ability way beyond mine. Where we disagree I'm sure we can have robust debate and still respect each other.

I honestly do think that you've completely missed the point I've been attempting to make about the way that personal denigration can have a far worse impact upon those who are already more vulnerable because of race, culture and history. Some of this is complex and subtle and I wouldn't pretend to understand more than a part of it but at least I'm trying. This is a really big issue for a city which gloriously has a growing range of cultures within it.

I enjoy a good debate and I find the combative attitude of the Citizen refreshing but you certainly don't have the monopoly on listening or on concern for high standards in public life. I think your challenging style is great but for goodness sake get the facts right. Finally, if you are so concerned about jobs and investment it would really help if you actually covered more of the initiatives I and others are taking to promote what would be significant sustainable development in the city you have the honour to report and I have the honour and the considerable responsibility to represent.

Hilton Dawson MP

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.