Your article on political parties and the "gay vote" (The Argus, May 22) contained nothing on how Labour is addressing issues that concern lesbian and gay residents.

Nationally we are changing legislation, such as equalising the age of consent, abolishing Section 28 and bringing in the Civil Partnerships Bill.

The trouble is that locally, while we have been getting on with issues such as providing funding for Pride and tackling homophobic bullying, the gay community doesn't necessarily feel we have connected with

them directly enough.

This week we are meeting gay-friendly businesses in the

St James's Street area to discuss their expectations of their politicans and how the party can help with LGBT and business issues.

Tackling discrimination and prejudice is not a new fashion statement for us, it is task we have been working on since 1997 (and before) but we recognise that we have not communicated that well enough and are setting about rectifying that from today.

Bute Street,

-Brighton