Labour MPs boycotted the Commons debate on Margaret Thatcher's death

Labour MPs boycotted the Commons debate on Margaret Thatcher's death, some of the defiant MPs explain why they were absent -

• Factories, shipyards and coal mines were closed throughout Easington and County Durham during Thatcher's 11 years

• Dozens of collieries were forced to shut in Durham - including Eccles, Eden and South Medomsley, Blackhall, Houghton and Boldon

• Haverton Hill Shipyard closed in 1979, taking 900 jobs. Consett Steel Works closed a year later, leaving 4,000 men jobless

• Many of Margaret Thatcher's policies were viewed as vindictive and lacking in compassion