I AM writing following the recent distorted allegations made in the press about our Hounslow MPs, Ann and Alan Keen.
As you know, these allegations follow a number of insinuations about the integrity of the MPs in relation to the appropriateness of their claiming expenses as parliamentarians.
The figures quoted and the supporting text are usually distorted and make false allegations about their claims, while they themselves have followed due process and broken no parliamentary rules.
It is therefore quite surprising that this spurious campaign has been running in local and national newspapers for so long.
I have known Ann and Alan for a number of years, particularly Ann with whom I worked in the NHS, and I see the papers' representation of them to be particularly vindictive and indeed false.
They are both hard working MPs with enormous case loads dealing with the real issues facing their constituents.
Ann and Alan have always been great advocates for the borough, supporting thousands of individuals and many communities and local businesses.
Ann in particular, over many years, played a pivotal role, both inside and outside of Parliament, to ensure we had a brand new first-class hospital built in Isleworth, the West Middlesex University Hospital.
It is a shame that the press seem unable to print the stories about all their work and commitment within the borough instead of continually insinuating that they are in breach of any parliamentary rules or normal practice.
If indeed the parliamentary rules require changing then so be it but surely this is a national issue and should be treated as such.
LOIS CROOKE Heathfield Terrace, Chiswick.
