WHATEVER good Kris Hopkins may have done as MP for Keighley and Ilkley, what defines his performance, in my view, is his complete failure to protect the interests of his constituents regarding the proposed incinerator at Marley, or even to engage with their concerns.

The serious objections to the scheme are not the subject of this letter; the unsuitability of Kris Hopkins to represent this constituency is my theme. He has brushed aside appeals from his constituents to use his political influence and support the call for a review of the planning application by the Secretary of State for Local Communities.

He has sent out unsatisfactory generalised statements to those wanting answers to specific questions about the potential dangers posed by emissions from the incinerator on their health and environment.

A responsible MP would have supported calls for medical evidence gathered from those areas where waste-to-energy incinerators already operate, since the deep valley site at Marley is so vulnerable. He would also have interrogated Bradford Council on the stark contradiction between its declared aim of improving air quality in Airedale and calmly sanctioning 70 extra HGVs a day to service the Marley site.

A responsible MP would also have judged the strength of local opinion from the opposition of Keighley Town Council and neighbouring parish councils to the scheme. Don’t the decisions of local elected bodies mean anything to him?

Maybe Kris Hopkins believes he has a safe parliamentary seat.

Politics is often depressingly party political, which accounts for much of the indifference among the electorate, both young and old. Is there no way out? Tactical voting is acceptable if it gives the constituency a real representative. Of course national policies are important, but when all is said and done, it comes down to trust.

DAVID BATEMAN Hospital Road, Riddlesden

* In response, Mr Hopkins said: “I have engaged with a great many Keighley and Ilkley residents since the proposed energy-from-waste plant was first announced shortly before the last General Election. It will bring much-needed jobs and investment into our economy and I was pleased the Labour parliamentary candidate for Keighley and Ilkley, who has been chosen to stand against me once again on June 8, made equally welcoming public comments at that time about the benefits it would bring. “I have always said I would neither support not defend any project that would put the health or wellbeing of my constituents – or anyone else – at risk. During recent months there has been a vigorous campaign against the investment, which is absolutely the right of those behind it. The Environment Agency and Public Health England – which are fully engaged in the planning process – have made clear that in their professional view the site is suitable for use. It would therefore be irresponsible for me to oppose the project and turn away the benefits it would bring. That is no different to the position of Labour-led Bradford Council nor the cross-party committee at Bradford City Hall that approved the planning application. “However, I continue to reiterate that the plant cannot proceed without an environmental permit. I would encourage anyone with real evidence-based concerns about the project to make their views known to the Environment Agency at that stage. If I am re-elected on June 8, my office will be more than happy to facilitate them in so doing.”