THERE are striking similarities in the battle to speed up compensation payments to victims of asbestos-related diseases and those miners struck down by chronic respiratory problems.

Both groups were working in conditions which were thought to be acceptable at the time. Only today do we realise the full extent of the dangers to health they faced day after day.

Our Justice for the Miners campaign highlighted the suffering endured by retired pitmen. It also highlighted the gross inadequacies of an administrative system which was denying or delaying compensation payments to victims of unsafe and sub-standard working conditions.

At long last the Government appears to be coming to terms with those inadequacies and is reforming the cumbersome process to ensure justice is no longer denied.

The lessons learned from the injustice meted out to thousands of ex-mineworkers should be taken on board and applied to the victims of disease undeniably linked to exposure to asbestos.

A TUC report out today claims that 18,000 people have died over the past four years as a result of working with asbestos.

No effort should be spared to ensure these victims and their families receive the compensation to which they are entitled.

My mother like many others, was not appointed one of the new "people's peers". Alas she was not one of the first 15 in a selection process which barely represented people at the grass roots, in a second chamber archaically hanging on to its title of House of Lords, like some of the dinosaurs that make up the second parliamentary chamber.

On further reflection, I doubt whether any of the apostles would have made it into the first team, male or not. Jesus would still be on the subs bench watching from the touchline.

My mother like yours, had experienced life at the blunt end, knew about budgets and nurturing relationships, has been a working mum and had, what is the sure qualification for the first team - the ability to exercise common sense.

In this respect, she was eminently suitable and has lived like most of us, in glorious humility, barely raising her head above the parapet into public life.

When we see others as "them" rather than "us", less not we forget that we should seek out that of God in everyone, which includes the ego-led and worldly successful. So blessed are the goal-scorers in the first team, but I hope that the "people's peers" will also include those whose light has been a little less public, like your mum and mine.

Glen Reynolds, Co Warden, Friends Meeting House, Skinnergate, Darlington.