"SCOUTS provide valuable skills," says Conservative MP Michelle Donelan, smiling at the head of her weekly column. Who could argue with that? Not me – I was one and so is my grandson.
But later in her article Ms Donelan asks an important question: "Where else would the next generation get such opportunities?" After all, Scouting and military cadetships don't suit everyone, do they?
Perhaps she should ask the 18 professional youth leaders whose funding has just been slashed by the Tory-run Wiltshire Council. Then again, maybe not – they are facing a redundancy process.
As a Tory MP, Ms Donelan supports a government that is ripping great chunks of flesh out of the budgets that sustain a decent community lifestyle, while raising Inheritance Tax Relief and reducing Corporation Tax on businesses.
Support the Scouts by all means, but don't be beguiled by the crocodile's smile – unless you're rich already, of course.
John Dunford, Rickfield, Bradford on Avon
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