May 6th has arrived: it's now all up to YOU

If you're reading this blog on polling day trying to decide how to cast your vote in the most important election this country has seen in 30 years, please consider the following before making your decision:

(1) There is only one fundamental choice to make - do you want Labour or the Conservatives to run Britain for the next 5 years?

(2) Both parties have made promises about the future - but judge Labour and the Conservatives not just on their promises but also on their record.

(3) In Labour's time in office, the UK in general and the North East in particular have made huge strides. In this particular constituency, we've seen a brand new hospital in Hexham; 5 new Sure Start children's centres in Hexham, Haltwhistle, Prudhoe, Ponteland and Bellinghan; a road-bypass around Haydon Bridge, hugely improving local residents' quality of life.

(4) Nationally, Labour brought in the National Minimum Wage (which the Tories voted against), rescuing millions from poverty-level wages; invested billions in the NHS, leading to 89,000 more nurses, 27,000 more doctors, and far shorter waiting times; invested billions in education; gave pensioners the Winter Fuel Allowance, the free bus pass, the free TV licence for those 75+, and the minimum income guarantee; and introduced child tax credits and working tax credits.

(5) The North East suffered horrendously under the last Tory government. Remember what happened to the mines? The steel works in Consett? The poll tax?

(6) In an interview with Jeremy Paxman, David Cameron identified two parts of the country which he considers over-dependent on public spending - the North East and Northern Ireland. It's absolutely obvious that if the Conservatives get back into power, they will be gunning for the North East.

If you value what we've achieved in the past 13 years, and don't want to see it thrown away under the Tories, please vote Labour today.

Haltwhistle & Prudhoe, Tuesday & Wednesday

Tuesday spent canvassing in Haltwhistle.

Wednesday spent canvassing in Prudhoe around Castle Road.

Down to the last 4 days ...

Monday witnessed the most canvassing we have ever done in a day. The morning session started in Hexham around Priestlands Road, where a crew of 4 of us door-knocked and I came across the following amusing poster (picture, left) attached to a lamp-post.

As we headed over to St. Johns Road I bumped into the Tory candidate, and we exchanged a few friendly words about the campaign and the results we anticipate in a number of North East constituencies. One common experience was noting a complete lack of any discernable LibDem effort on the ground - if the LibDems have been active in the Hexham constituency at this election, its escaped our collective attention.

In the late afternoon we shifted our attention to West Wylam, Prudhoe, where the sun made it a pleasant evening to be out on the doors. We pray for good weather on Thursday.

The hours between and after these two sessions were filled with telephone canvassing Haltwhistle residents.

Speaking at St Matthews RC Church, Ponteland

This afternoon I visited St. Matthews Roman Catholic Church, Ponteland, to speak to Father Melia and some of his parishioners about issues central to their concerns: abortion, euthenasia, stem cell research, religious rights, gay marriage and gay adoption. Although everyone was extremely polite and welcoming, it's fair to say there was not a meeting of minds on many of the issues: I support a woman's right to choose, even though every abortion is a tragedy; I believe everyone should have the right to create a legally binding 'living will'; I support the right of Christians to express their views in a plain, robust manner, but I also expect all businesses in this country, including those owned by Christians, to abide by the law of the land when it comes to non-discrimination; and I believe gay couples should have the same right as straight couples to enter into a contract having the legal effect of marriage. Sincerely held views were respectfully exchanged in both directions. Thanks go to Father Melia for organising the meeting.

Endorsement from "Protecting Animals in Democracy"

I've been endorsed by the "Protecting Animals in Democracy" pressure group as the best voting option in this constituency to protect animals from the cruelty of bloodsports, intensive farming and painful experiments.

The Glass Centre, Sunderland: PM's visit

I spent the early afternoon at The Glass Centre in Sunderland where GB gave a speech to a packed audience of mostly Labour activists to promote Labour's arts and cultural agenda. I'm glad he mentioned the importance of the UK's videogaming industry: it sounds like something only nerds and teenagers would be interested in (and middle-aged men who can afford to pay £50 for a new game) but in fact it's a cutting edge industry where the UK is punching well above its weight. Videogames are now bigger business than the movies, with first day sales for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare - I repeat, not first month or first week but first day - of $310 million. This is a 21st century industry the UK government strongly needs to encourage.

Predictably, media attention will focus on the heckler who managed to sneak his way into the room. Two things should be borne in mind. First, he will most definitely not be a random member of the public who just so happened to find his way into a room where the PM was giving a keynote speech. Because of the inevitably tight security arrangements in place when the PM is around, someone must have sneaked him in. Second, his heckles were rubbish. If I was going to sneak into a room where David Cameron was giving a keynote speech in order to heckle him -- which obviously I wouldn't! -- I'd make sure (1) I said something memorable (2) I'd say it loud and clear. In the event, the only audible first heckle involved the use of the word 'bigot' (the rest was inaudible), then he shup up for a while, then he said something else also inaudible. He definitely needs coaching. He was ejected from the room not by Labour party bouncers as the press has mistakenly stated, but by a couple of party members one of whom was quite clearly in his 60s. There's no point complaining - this is what happens on the election trail.

Hustings at Highfield Middle School, Prudhoe

Friday afternoon: the Tory, LibDem candidates and I spoke at a hustings for 11-13 years old at Highfield Middle School, Prudhoe. The questions were extremely sharp for such a young audience, and I think all the candidates had a good time talking to the youngsters, with their teachers watching and listening thoughfully at the back. I'd like to thank Deanne Smith for organising this event.