Unlike N Turner from Hove (Letters August 6), who criticises Brighton MP Caroline Lucas, for things that are completely outside the direct responsibility of a local MP, I live in her constituency of Brighton Pavilion.

Note she is an MP. She is not the city council or the government. She was elected to challenge and hold those in power to account.

So I am grateful that I have one of the few MPs in the country who is fearless in taking on the cosy Labour and Tory establishment in Westminster.

Sadly, all too often, Labour has sold out. From enabling the creeping privatisation of our NHS, to embracing the government’s devastating cuts to our public services, Labour has failed us.

We need strong, challenging MPs to fight for a genuine alternative to this consensus.

Dr Lucas does just that. She gives a voice to vital campaigns and goes out of her way to represent those most isolated, vulnerable and in need.

She was also among just a handful of MPs who had the courage to challenge the government as it railroaded through its new laws on data retention.

She has also been a strong voice calling for an embargo on arms sales with Israel in response to the ongoing and bloody assault on Gaza.

Though not directly to Ms Lucas’ credit as explained, in my neighbourhood contrary to the doom and gloom of some letter writers, I see a more pleasant environment with new street schemes changing the local scene and safer roads. N Turner, I recommend that you book a removal van and move here.

You might find your new life and your new MP rather better over here than that which you are used to.

Tom Robinson,
Brewer Street,
Brighton.