SIR: The general air of complacency about Covid has already started to show its impact in Hampshire, reflecting a trend across the nation. Social distancing and mask wearing have all but disappeared from the government litany of persuasive messaging. Vaccination and booster jabs continue to be the significant line and of course they should, but not at the expense of dismissing other personal responsibilities. Steve Brine’s attitude continues to raise serious concerns amongst the general population with his undisguised preference for business and commerce not to be affected in any way at all in terms of footfall and usage. We all want a strong and vibrant economy, but his comments reflect his growing discomfort and barely disguised disdain with other things that really matter in society, the people and their state of health.

Up to the end of December approximately 16189 cases of C19 were reported in Hampshire. Up to 03.01.2022 there were 20128, an increase of nearly 4000. This put Hampshire in the deadliest top 25% of areas in the UK where the condition was spreading and increasing. Steve is on record as opposing his own Prime Minister, fully supporting the accelerated deregulation of all preventative measures by the local population. Clearly, the carefree attitude of many people and their marking the end of doing anything to help prevent, control and stop the airborne transmission of C19 has taken over. This is the message locally from him. It is quite reprehensible and continues to fly in face of the advice the CMO.

Steve Brine was elected by a very slender majority by people in his constituency to represent them in Parliament. I suggest his position is untenable. Being an MP is about reflecting the views, opinions and wishes of their electorate as much as possible. It is also about encouraging strong personal responsibility. Taking care of them through actions and the statements he makes and his general demeanour requires leadership, now sadly lacking in his humiliating public downgrading of the safety of his constituents.

Peter Rees

Monarch Way

Winchester