IT was noticeable in the last few weeks how the emphasis of our four local Labour MPs differed.

Three joined many around the country in calling for a more compassionate approach to genuine refugees such as those from the Syrian war.

The fourth, Frank Field, was in the media calling for a UK border crackdown ... after all the UK foreign born population has now passed eight million – time to panic!

Frank spent his time pushing his war on hunger at home ... a worthy cause, except that he and his collaborators claim that much underclass hunger is down to irresponsibility and bad behaviour.

As Frank has said many times about the poor on benefits – which "rot the soul" – "The worst side of human nature is encouraged." 

Yes, people will do anything when they and their children are hungry or in fear of their lives like the Syrian refugees.

So much for compassion.

Professor D P Gregg (retired), Spital.