I AM concerned about any possible reduction in food standards, despite a commitment in the Conservative manifesto to maintain them.

I wrote to Royston Smith, MP, and got a reply that I did not think answered by question.

So I followed this up with another:

“If the government proposes a trade deal which in any way reduces the manifesto commitment to protect the food standards, will you vote against the government to maintain that commitment you made?”

To which he replied: “Thank you. You don’t need to tell me to be aware.

"I know how elections work. I do what I do, explain my reasons and you choose one of the candidates."

This gives me no confidence that he will honour his manifesto commitment, but simply choose to address any breaches at the next election, while hoping no one enquires too deeply.

Dave McGlade

Southampton