Sir,

I would like to thank Rob James for his thoughtful letter - No right and no mandate. When the government wants to quickly force a bill through in the hope that the controversial changes will be forgotten by the next election, we need to speak out. The plans were omitted from the manifesto of both members of the governing alliance, absent from the coalition agreement and ignored in last year's Queen's Speech. The government also ignored the overwhelming public opposition to the proposals in its own consultation.

Well done to our local MP's for having the sense to vote against the same sex marriage bill. I have no political affiliation, but am pleased that in this region those who serve us have the discernment that is needed for public office.

Paul Dando,

Church Minister,

Grace Church,