MADAM,

In his letter of 14th December, (Disgust at political views) Professor Richard Pates entreats: “Suffer the children to come unto me.” Would he confirm how many of the 39 ‘jungle’ immigrants (regardless of their age) he has offered to accommodate in his Abertillery home? Perhaps he could also assure us that he is equally disposed to personally reach out and help those people in his area who are homeless as a result of suffering their own inconceivable depredations as we celebrate Christmas?

David Davies MP is not “this evil man!” In asking that we try to ensure the neediest people’s needs are met (as, unfortunately, it is not humanly/ Christianly possible to assist every soul in the world at once) our MP is not overlooking the needy and destitute on his own doorstep, but rather endeavouring to ensure that scarce resources are fairly distributed.

As Professor Pates may recall from previous experience, when overwhelming numbers of referrals/ demands are made upon a service, prioritising is most fairly achieved through an informed model of criteria.

I wish to thank David Davies for his work as our MP (not yours, Professor Pates). If you are not doing any of the above, you could (hopefully) silently pray.

Maggie Hamlen

(Monmouth)