Many MPs use the long Parliamentary recess to reconnect with their constituencies.

I am lucky that I live in my constituency and Redditch is only a couple of hours from London.

However, it is still helpful to spend time in the area and holding my surgeries.

As usual at my surgery on Saturday, a wide range of issues were raised.

These included the pension problems caused by the closure of BKL.

The workers at BKL have been badly let down by the company.

I will do all I can to clarify the legal position, the Government's actions in relation to the protection of workers' pensions and to support the AEEU as it seeks to maximise eventual benefits that will be paid.

THE improved pension arrangements for MPs have been the subject of public debate recently.

I voted against the increase in pensions and I remain against it.

However, some of the reports about the changes are misleading.

For instance, it is a little reported fact that the Government blocked any of the cost of this scheme being paid for by the British taxpayer.

Instead, MPs will have to fund the extra costs themselves.

Even with this safeguard, I am still uncomfortable with the move and will do what I can to change the situation if the matter returns for further debate.

The Government is well aware of the concerns of pensioners and has taken action on several fronts.

We are spending an extra £6.5 billion on pensioners in this Parliament.

We have brought in the Minimum Income Guarantee, £200 winter payments and free TV licences for the over 75s.

The Pensioner Credit, to be brought in next year, will give extra money to those on modest incomes and who have saved a little for their retirement.

It was not the Labour Government which presided over the mis-selling of pensions, the halving of SERPS and changed inherited SERPS without telling anyone.

It wasn't a Labour Government that brought in VAT on fuel and gave pensioners a paltry £10 at Christmas.

It was the last Conservative Government and we are determined to put things right.