It is right that everyone in Britain feels betrayed by the MPs who have taken advantage of a flawed set of rules to make questionable claims for expenses.
But it would be stupid and unjust for us to tar all MPs with the same brush.
MPs are paid very little by the standards of their colleagues elsewhere in Europe. If they are going to derive an income comparable with what they would earn in other em
ployment, and don't have the benefit of a private income, they face two choices.
They can play the system, which is corrupt and by any standards unacceptable, or they can earn supplementary money honestly and openly outside Parliament.
This is perfectly reasonable so long as it doesn't interfere with their duties as an MP and they can demonstrate that they are fulfilling these duties.
Tony Baldry, along with most MPs in all parties, does not play the system. But he does earn money from other sources.
This is normal practice in commerce and industry, and never questioned unless it interferes with performance in primary employment. In Tony's case it manifestly does not.
MPs have two principal responsibilities, to Parliament and to their constituencies. Tony has an outstanding record in both.
Tony is a Tory but does not make cheap party points; he and his opinions are well respected by MPs in all parties.
As a constituency MP Tony can hardly be rivalled. Surely nobody in north Oxfordshire can be unaware of his tireless campaigns in support of the Horton or to promote Bicester Vision, as well as promoting countless other issues that affect all of us.
We still have a dispensary in the medical practice in Bloxham largely thanks to his efforts.
We have a remarkable MP and, far from criticising him, we should thank him for representing our interests, irrespective of our own party affiliations, so effectively.
Lizzie and Robyn Owen
Unicorn Street
BloxhamYour reply to Mr Williamson's request for more information about candidates who stood in the recent elections (Your View, June 4) is very sad.
An active, free press is an essential adjunct to a vibrant democracy. .
Your report the previous week on the business activities of Tony Baldry also lacked depth.
Does he make money out of his overseas business or are they by way of helping a third world country get a foot hold in the western commercial world?
What percentage of possible attendance at the House of Commons and/or its committees does Mr Baldry make?
How often does he miss a debate relating to matters in this area?
Do you often hear of constituents who have contacted him and received no reply?
Sound bite reporting does not serve democracy well.
Dorothy Clifton (Mrs)
Stedman Cottage
Middle Aston