ON WEDNESDAY June 6 I was watching Prime Minister’s Questions on the television after reading the papers which were full of news about muggings and murders a celebrity (comedian Michael McIntyre) being robbed of his watch in broad daylight while his son watched on.

I watched and waited in anticipation that the Government were going to announce sweeping new powers and prison sentences for the thugs.

I thought that the Leader of the Opposition would berate the Government for its failure to get to grips with the epidemic that is destroying our once great country.

What happened? Nothing - there was hardly a mention. I was astounded that parliamentary questions developed to an all-time low as one of the Honourable members announced the yearly pigeon race was due and asked all members to participate and back a pigeon.

The Right Honourable and Honourable members whooped in approval.

What is this country coming to?

We have a crisis in the health service, mayhem on our streets and time is given to a pigeon race albeit for charity,

To say I despair is an understatement.

Councillor Norman Hughes, Hawthorn, near Seaham, County Durham