This afternoon I went to the launch of Fair Pensions for All, a new pamphlet published by the Public and Commercial Services Union.

Trade unions are still digesting what the Government's announcement on pensions last week will mean for their members in practice.

But it seems increasingly clear that the Coalition's concessions are just that - and will do little to tackle the hardship that will be caused by requiring public sector workers to work longer for less pay and with increased pension contributions.

Ultimately, it's important to remember that fair pensions for all are affordable.

I have long campaigned for a universal state pension, paid unconditionally to all pensioners in the UK at the rate of the official poverty line and linked to average earnings. I don't think that's too much to ask and neither do the pensioners I meet in my constituency.

You can read the PCS pamphlet here.