The other day I took the unusual step of writing to my local MP, a Tory MP, to query and question the recent Parliament vote that saw the majority of MPs (virtually all of the Tory MPs no less) vote against enshrining protection for the NHS. I was assured that this will not happen (along with there being no need to enshrine protection of food standards) because of the Tory government’s manifesto pledge on this issue.

Let’s leave aside for a moment the issue that manifesto pledges from Johnson’s government aren’t worth the paper they’re printed on, and ask a more pertinent question – if we have nothing to worry about, if the government will honour its pledges, why not insert them into the bills, as Labour originally sought to do by suggesting these amendments? That would be a very public display of honouring commitments and provide concrete examples of the Tories fulfilling their manifesto promises. It’s all well and good to mention the mechanics of how treaties and deals get ratified, but everyone knows there are ways and means to push through agendas.

I can’t say I’m thrilled with the response from my MP, which seems to be wishy-washy, but then, did I expect anything less from a Tory?