Limited dealings with politicians

“http://tinyurl.com/7vm7pcp

Just one of many broken promises.”

“The Labour Party squandered what remained of their political capital when they left the economy in such dire straights for the umpteenth time.

I'm no particular fan of Stephen Williams, but voting against tuition fees for the vast number of Micky-Mouse degrees that were originally just work avoidance schemes when there was still some work out there, would have been like voting against income tax in the present climate.”

“Just to be clear: that's Stephen Williams' reply to Mr Phelan's letter.”

“Daniel Phelan's criticism of me is entirely unjustified and unwarranted.

Mr Phelan contacted me in 2007 about two issues relating to Bristol City Council. I receive hundreds of letters and e-mails from constituents every week, and I employ a small team of staff to help me reply to these. I personally read the letter he sent to me, and I wrote to the Council about the issues he raised. I then asked a member of my staff to let him know that I had done this. Similarly, when replies were received from the Council, I asked my staff to send copies to him.

It is quite normal for MPs, as with other public sector organisations and businesses, to employ staff to assist in replying to large volumes of correspondence. However, the claim that my staff told him that I am "a very busy man and cannot be expected to involve himself with all matters" is completely untrue.

Similarly, Mr Phelan makes a vague and unsubstantiated claim that a GP told him that I refused to meet to discuss the NHS. As I do not know who the GP is, or when I am alleged to have done this, it is difficult for me to comment. However, I will say that I have no recollection of refusing to meet anybody to discuss the NHS. In fact, I actually hold a weekly advice surgery where I see a very large number of individuals to discuss a wide range of issues, including the NHS. Appointments can be booked by calling my constituency office on 0117 942 3494.”

“He also (in writing) promised to reject the Digital Economy Bill (now Act) if elected or at least attempt to get some proper discussion prior to its enactment. Post election, I enquired how this process was going only to receive a standard letter of response informing me of how very important the digital economy was to the UK.

Phenomenal.

If only you could cast your vote against a candidate!”

“Stephen Williams squandered and lost all of his political capital when he pledged to the people of Bristol that he would vote against any rise in tuition fees if elected.

Once elected on that basis by the people of Bristol he then broke his promise to them. The man and his words simply cannot be trusted. As with Nicholas Clegg, he'll sell out his entire constituency and party for personal political and financial gain.”