I was really disappointed with our MP’s column in the Bridport News (June 18).

We would all have supported the second half in which he welcomed the reopening of the local shops.

It however began with a tirade about the fact he had joined other Conservative MPs in seeking a new law on attacking war memorials to carry a 10-year maximum jail sentence.

Over my lifetime I have seen this type of knee jerk legislation brought in to no positive effect. Readers may remember the Dangerous Dogs Act rushed through in 1991 and universally seen as a failure.

No one condones vandalism but our MP might have reflected more on how we as a society can deal maturely and constructively with the issues which have been raised by the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement rather than attempting to divert attention from the real issues.

He would have been better putting his energies into more important issues such as the reopening of our schools. The academic progress and mental health of our young people is being severely compromised.

His fellow MPs might even have asked for an investigation into the shambles of a Test and Trace system or into the reasons why the Government has given out death rates for Covid which are way below the actual figure.

He might have considered warning the PM about the dangers of a no deal Brexit.

His priorities seem misguided and designed to a particular sector of his electorate.

Throughout history it has been said that the Conservatives care more about property than people. Come on Mr Loder you can do better than this.

BARRY BATES
Bridport