Snap election is problematic

Dear Sir, - The calling of a sudden general election by Theresa May is problematic for the Liberal Democrats, who feel that the decision to negotiate a hard Brexit following a poorlyconducted referendum is a major mistake.

The media has explained her decision on the grounds that she feels she needs a more substantial majority to push through her agenda following this narrow result.

The electorate, however is increasingly concerned about the effects of the Government on our public services, especially funding for our NHS and the priorities for school fi nancing.

The advantage of referenda is that, if used correctly, they allow the electorate to give its views on isolated topics of importance, such as how it is governed.

With a general election, the electorate will vote on a range of issues and the Government can interpret the result as best suits it at any particular time.

There is no satisfactory way around this dilemma with our present system of fi rst past the post voting system, and I ask the electorate to consider these points when voting on 8th June. - Yours faithfully,

(DR) PETER HIRST