THERE has been much debate about removing VAT on tampons, the argument being that this is not a luxury good but something essential to female health.

Females should not be financially penalised for something they can’t help.

An amendment to the finance bill was brought to parliament by Labour MP Paula Sherriff calling for the chancellor to find a way of removing this imposition.

So how did our local MPs vote on this?

The MPs who voted to keep VAT on tampons are Mims Davies (Eastleigh), Caroline Nokes (Romsey) and Royston-Smith (Southampton Itchen).

Having just voted themselves an £8,000 pay rise, I don’t expect buying such goods is a problem for them.

Unfortunately the majority of us have not had an £8,000 increase in salary!

The Green Party’s view is that we should not disadvantage people with extra VAT costs on essential health products.

The Greens will continue to push for zero rate VAT on essential health products.

Ron Meldrum, Green Party.