HOW fortunate Birkenhead is in its MP, Frank Field.

I was brought up in Birkenhead and am a fairly frequent visitor and was delighted while there on October 29 to learn of Mr Field's parliamentary motion in the Commons in the same week concerning tax credits and the subsequent debate.

A mere three days after the House of Lords asked the Chancellor to think again about the likely effects of his ill-planned tax credit cuts on the least advantaged of our citizens, Frank Field took up their cause once again in the Commons to the same effect, and this with the utmost tact and discretion, eschewing the temptation to make cheap political capital out of the government’s embarrassment.

His integrity and commitment to his electorate were plain to see, his moderation an inspiration to fellow MPs, and they were crowned with success. What an example to all parliamentarians.

David Cragg-James, York.