Perhaps some reflection would put the refusal of Celia Barlow MPs to submit the Is It Fair? petition to the House of Commons in a different context.

First, no petition of its size can claim to show what constituents think. And for an MP to submit every petition of its size would throw up numerous problems. For example, what if a local BNP or anti-gay group were to present her with a petition?

Her decision to await the result of the Government's enquiry instead, before adopting a stance, is more sensible. Who knows, the Lyon's enquiry might recommend everything the group is asking for. If it doesn't, then that is the time to campaign. No doubt, the group has already submitted its views to the inquiry.

Edmund Burke, an 18th-Century MP, told his constituents representation did not mean constituents mechanically mandating an MP to present views which he might not sincerely believe. Rather, it meant he should ponder, calmly and objectively, the matter in question with all the facts at his disposal and to present to the people his genuine and dispassionate conclusions. MPs, in other words, were representatives not delegates.

As someone on a fixed income, I have strong views on the council tax and am sure I could find 100 people to agree with me. But I don't know if all the people would.

-RG Jenkins, Hove