MPs apathy?

I wrote to you on 5th May to see whether you'd made any effort towards bringing our troops home. If you remember I met you on 26th April when I went to the House of Commons with MFAW members.

You appeared very understanding and informed me that you would not sign the Early Day Motion 1088 as there had already been previous enquiries. You felt that there were other ways in which efforts could be made to end this war.

When I asked whether you'd ever put anything in the papers for your constituents to see you told me you had written to the papers in the past
(but this was 15 months ago). You had written a speech for the House but had not yet presented it. You also wrote a monthly diary column for the local paper in Stratford-on-Avon and said you might mention our plight.

I happened to see you, by chance, on Prime Minister's Question Time today and found that you had the time to discuss John Prescott's recent loss of department, to the amusement of your party but heard nothing about the war!

Until I receive a reply to my last letter I don't know whether you have answered my questions which were:

1. What are you doing to make Mr Blair accountable for his actions?

2. Are you informing the public of events and if not, why?

3. When are you going to make your speech to the House as mentioned? (unless I've already missed it!)

4. When will you actively become involved to end this war?

I also informed you that my job is under threat at present. I work in the local hospital and the Trust has announced job losses of 720 and possible closure of my department.

Where is the money to fund this war coming from?

Why are hospitals in such a state all over the country? It's not just bad management.

I also agree with you that the Government were very lax in their post-war planning to secure a peaceful regime and one to which the Iraqi people would agree. I also would like an Iraq which is 'free, stable and democratic'.

How do you address the weaknesses Mr Maples?

In my local paper today (Alcester Chronicle) my article was printed which again brought the issue of how to bring our troops home. You stated "the decision could only be made by Tony Blair and George Bush. The Government is now in a complex situation. But I think we should have a phased withdrawal over the rest of this year in conjunction with America".

This would indeed be good news but I've recently heard that the Americans are either building or have just completed their 4th base and these are secure units. I don't think Mr Bush is in any hurry to leave Iraq, especially without an Iraqi government he approves of in place and access to the oil!

As the mother of a solider I understand he could be called up for his country at any time. That I don't have a problem with. Fighting in an illegal war which has brought so much desolation to the Iraqi people and loss of lives all around I do have a problem with.

My son is extremely proud of his regiment and the career he's chosen. He never speaks or complains about what he does. The anger and argument is mine. What a pity his life and those of his fellow troops are being put in danger.

Please Mr Maples stand up and fight for those risking their lives. Help us to bring an end to this debacle now - not in the months/years to come.

Yours sincerely

Lynda Holmes

_________________________________________________________________
Be the first to hear what's new at MSN - sign up to our free newsletters!
http://www.msn.co.uk/newsletters