For the last ten days the press has had a field day with the BBC-Gary Lineker story. I think it’s more a “handbags at dawn” disagreement myself and not particularly important in the greater scheme of things. If only the press devoted as much attention and as many headlines to the problems that most of us have to deal with every day. For example, food inflation currently at 17 per cent; huge increases in energy prices; the NHS and education service under severe stress. This is not to mention the Government beginning to give second thoughts to some of its Green issue commitments.

If I was the Conservative MP for Watford or South West Herts I’d be relieved that the BBC story came along because it diverts attention away from the failings of the Government. The news is now dominated by the opinions of a football commentator who’s paid £1.35 million each year. It verges on the farcical. Let us keep a sense of proportion. I say this despite being a football fan whose favourite TV programme is Match Of The Day.

Philip Parry

South-West Herts Labour Party