ON behalf of the Lancashire Association of Trades Union councils, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the victims of the Morecambe Bay/Hest Bank cockle-fishing disaster. I would also like to condemn the circumstances.

A civilised society, fulfilling a duty of care incumbent in those in authority, must unreservedly ensure as a far as possible that any worker of any nationality is safe from death and injury.

STEVE METCALFE, President, Lancashire Association of Trades Union Councils.