I SUPPORT Cllr Seb Berry’s criticisms of our MP, Cheryl Gillan, for not being present at the HS2 debate in the House of Commons (BFP, October 21).

This is surely the most important single issue to affect the lives of many of her constituents since World War 2.

I understand that the debate was limited to backbenchers, but at least the presence of a cabinet minister in the chamber would have sent a strong signal. I have written to enquire on what business Ms Gillan was otherwise engaged in Wales. I can only assume it was pretty important.

Marilyn Fletcher, Chiltern Manor Park, Great Missenden