Perhaps Sarah Wollaston should understand that there exists a depth of deprivation and despair in Britain unprecedented in recent years, which is directly connected to the policies and practices of the party of which she is a member and among whom she sits while as Parliamentary representative of Totnes constituency.

It is not surprising that 300 people should take to the streets of Totnes in a peaceful yet determined manner in order to make a legitimate protest, officially in support of the NHS but also, in the hearts and minds of many, over the alarming level of deprivation, hunger, homelessness and grotesque levels of social inequality which are now manifest in Britain. Not yet too apparent in relatively prosperous Totnes, so far, except for the swelling numbers of homeless people now living on the streets here, if Dr Wollaston should care to look.

Her recent statements in the local press represent a degree of denial – or disingenuity – regarding the crisis described above.

On the other hand, all credit to you, Sarah, for supporting Dominic Grieve’s amendment, the vote on which reasserted and reminded everyone of the role and the primacy of Parliament in establishing and asserting principles of importance and lasting significance.

Incidentally, as I understand it, inquiries concerning the cardboard ‘coffin’ referred to have not yet revealed any direct connection between it and the Labour Party.

The ‘coffin’ was not intended in any way as a threat to our MP; it was merely a device intended to make clear to any who are in doubt of the perilous situation now, after years of what many consider to be an accumulative callous and excessive assault upon the less able and the voiceless in our society.

David Matthews

Plymouth Road, Totnes