Should MP surgeries be suspended?

THERE is high security at Westminster but MPs are vulnerable in their own constituencies. Though it is understandable, Tobias Ellwood MP is going in the wrong direction with his suggestion to suspend MP surgeries. Our democracy has to move with the times by ensuring potential attackers are deterred, but Skype, Zoom and phone appointments are not the way to go. There are a number of practical security measures available to protect MPs: a police officer or security guard to check visitors; protective clothing for MPs and their staff; an emergency alarm linked to a police station; protective screens to separate MPs from visitors; and security checks of those who have booked an appointment to see their local representative. Why haven’t these been implemented? Yes, this will change the atmosphere of MP surgeries, but the public will understand why. NEVILLE T. RHOADES,

Milton Keynes, Bucks.

IN LIGHT of the tragic death of Sir David Amess, isn’t it time MPs’ surgeries were held remotely? A phone-in session, similar to a radio talk show, could work well.

PHIL NORTH, Brigg, Lincs. SHOULD MPs be issued with stab vests to wear when meeting the public at their surgeries?

JAMES KILEY, Brockham, Surrey.

WHEN I was a police sergeant at Chingford, Essex, in the 1970s, an officer was always posted at MP Norman Tebbit’s Saturday morning surgeries. This also happened in other constituencies. When did this sensible precaution change and why?

J. BENSTED, Cheshunt, Herts.

RATHER than employing 650 security guards to look after politicians, why not apply airport security style walk-through metal detectors.

ALAN K. NEVILLE, Southend-on-Sea, Essex.

WHAT about the thousands of local councillors who also hold public surgeries? It would be impossible to police all these meetings.

IAN DUCKWORTH, Rochdale, Gtr Manchester.