US campaigner speaks in Manchester

Erin Brockovivh rounded off the 2009 Biba conference with an inspirational speach about her victories as an environmental campaigner.

Brockovick told a packed auditorium at the Manchester Central that she had not come to "stir the pot" by taking up issues against insurers.

Instead, she said the industry should work towards creating and using products to serve humanity and the common good.

Brockovich said the victory in her case against California-based firm Pacific Gas and Electric over water pollution - made famous in the film about her life played by Julia Roberts - cost the company around $1bn in legal fees and compensation.

The American, who was making her first visit to the UK, ended the conference by admitting that she was considering a career in politics and that she hoped to meet US president Barack Obama in the near future.

To read a full interview, go to: Erin Brockovich