‘Nasty party’ has made a grave misjudgement

AS a keen political observer, although not particularly politically active, I am truly amazed by the decision of parliament not to temporarily extend free school meals service during holiday periods as this pandemic continues.

I know that the vote was whipped by the Conservative party and wonder how many Conservative MPS voted the way that they did because of this. Many seemed to speak in favour of the extension during the debate and then voted against it when it came to the division.

I have written to our MP to ask if the only reason she voted against was because the vote was whipped.

I think that this should have been a free vote on the grounds of compassion and care. Possibly the outcome of the vote would have been different if that were the case.

I believe that the cost of this provision would be far outweighed by the benefit and find it amazing that Marcus Rashford is awarded an honour for his work on this and then this work is totally rejected in parliament a very short time later.

I am, however, encouraged by the response of our community to this issue with so many voluntary organisations, individuals and businesses showing the compassion to support those in need just as they have done throughout the Covid pandemic.

As an active local volunteer I am well aware of the need for support of those less well off in our community and proud of our town for the response to the Covid crisis.

It is my view that the Conservative leadership have made a major error of judgement on this and that it will lead to the reinstatement of the description ‘nasty party’.

John Belfield Leek