How sad our local MPs failed to oppose the Government's plans to allow unelected health officials the power to force water companies to add fluoride to our drinking water, regardless of our wishes.

Fluoride is a much-hyped panacea for tooth decay but it is also a toxic chemical which has been linked to dental fluorosis, Down's syndrome, cancer, brittle bones and thyroid problems.

Unfortunately, Labour MPs Ivor Caplin and Des Turner voted in favour of the pro-fluoride Government Water Bill, as did Lewes Lib-Dem MP Norman Baker.

Brighton Labour MP David Lepper did not vote at all.

None of our MPs took notice of the recent motion passed overwhelmingly by Brighton and Hove City Council to "oppose moves to fluoridate our local water supply".

By voting to indemnify water companies from legal action if they add fluoride

to drinking water, MPs have opened the door to mass medication without consent.

Greens believe it is unethical and contrary to the European Convention on Human Rights and Medicine and we will continue to oppose this unsafe and illiberal measure.

-Coun Simon Williams (Green) St Peters and North Laine, Brighton and Hove City Council