After all the promises made by Conservatives and their handmaidens, the Liberal Democrats, the 1.1 million Equitable Life policyholders are set to receive a fraction of what they believe is due.

Around one tenth.

They can expect £400 - £500 million. The details will be revealed on 20 October, submerged in the Comprehensive Spending Review.

The policyholders, dying at the rate of 15 a day, have been led up the garden path by the coalition parties who, in opposition, denounced the Labour Government for its inaction.

Back in May, in the first flush of victory, the new Lib Dem MP, Gordon “candlelight vigil” Birtwistle, assured his Burnley constituents: “We are using our position in Government to give policyholders the money they deserve.”

Complete cobblers!

Andrew Stephenson, my successor as Conservative MP for Pendle, has, typically, kept his head below the parapet. Don’t expect any fireworks from him. A few written PQs will do.

In the last Parliament, the Public Administration Select Committee, so ably chaired by Tony Wright, produced a series of reports backing the Ombudsman and calling for justice for the policyholders.

Birtwistle should get up to speed and become acquainted with the voluminous material that is available.

The Equitable Life policyholders in Burnley don’t want more hot air from Birtwistle.

They want action. And results.