WEEKLY COLUMN by Stroud MP Dr Simon Opher 

Like most people, I watched in horror as scenes of violence, rioting and looting played out on our TV and social media screens last week.

So it was heartening to see the support for the rally in Stroud on Saturday.

It reminded me that the violence we’ve seen is not representative of who we are.

We are a tolerant, inclusive and caring society.

We have a strong and proud history of looking after people in this country, and long may that continue.

Nowhere more so than Stroud - it’s one of the things I love about this place - we look out for each other here.

But so many places have lost this important sense of community, particularly in the cities, and particularly where the effects of the weak government of the last 14 years have taken their toll.

A weak economy, lack of secure, well-paid jobs, cost of living through the roof, inadequate housing, the NHS on its knees, pollution at record levels, an education system that fails too many young people.

No wonder people feel let down. No wonder they feel they’re not being listened to. No wonder they give credence to the people who tell them it’s not their fault, or the government’s fault, but it’s all the fault of the immigrants. There’s nothing new here. We saw it in the 1930s, the 50s, the 70s, and we’re seeing it again now.

But, despite what you might see on social media, it’s as untrue today as it’s ever been. There’s only one group of people who are to blame for the country’s problems, and it isn’t immigrants.

In fact, without immigration, most of our public services would collapse. It’s incompetent and self-serving politicians. We need politicians who want to make life better for everyone. We need politicians who listen, properly listen, and who do their best to solve people’s problems.

That’s the kind of politician I want to be - it’s why I chose this path. I can’t guarantee that I’ll be able to solve everyone’s problems, or do it overnight, but I will listen and I’ll do my best to help.