AT a time of misogyny, racism and anxiety I write to appreciate the courage and dedication of our local MP Yasmin Quereshi.

She is serving the people of Bolton with dedication, integrity and intelligence. Quietly achieving many things and reaching out to others she works to defend services for the people including the blind. She campaigns against child poverty, fracking, food waste and on many other issues. She has reached out locally and internationally to different ethnic groups.

Her quality has been recognised by her promotion to the role of Shadow Minister for Justice with responsibility for prisons. Dostoevsky said, “The degree of civilisation in a society can be judged by entering its prisons”.

At a time when we may rightly fear for our civilisation we need more women of the quality of Yasmin who are serving the public, not posturing and pontificating.

Dr. John Christey-Casson

Beedon Avenue

Little Lever

Bolton