DESCRIBING "Blair's Babes" women MPs as voting clones, Mrs J Lee (Letters June 17) makes a lot of common sense.

However, she fails to take into account both how the Westminster game is played and how it is perceived by the media.

In naming those personalities who are both theatrical and good copy for journalists and television segments, Mrs Lee forgets that, nine out of ten times, they vote with the government.

As to whether Labour's women MPs are "clones," looking at the record of just three of the new intake - Clair Ward, Anne Begg and Lorna Fitzsimons - shows none fits this category, as an examination of their comments in Hansard and their voting record will prove.

A few moments on television, Mrs Lee, doesn't tell the whole story - as these three women who are important members of committees would tell you if you gave them the chance.

DUNCAN McVEE, Robin Bank Road, Darwen.

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