IN desperate and difficult times politicians should put aside party political differences.

No-one can doubt that the foot-and-mouth epidemic so disastrously affecting Devon deserves the united efforts of all persons of whatever party.

I would urge the Liberal Democrat MP, John Burnett, to convene a meeting for interested parties as soon as possible.

I would hope that those who attend would do so in the spirit of all party co-operation.

If greater public recognition can be created for the immediate need for more decisive action and leadership in facing this crisis than has hitherto been provided, some real good will have been done.

I would fully support the MP in taking any action designed to achieve this aim.

Geoffrey Cox

Prospective

Parliamentary

candidate for West Devon and Torridge