YOUR editorial writer, November 19, covering shadow housing minister Emma Reynolds',  visit to Oxford clearly need a good break – there was no justification at all for the sour, negative tone.

When she was here, Emma Reynolds pointed to Labour’s clear view that cities like Oxford should have a “right to grow”. She also explained, at some length, that the exact way this is to be implemented will be considered by an independent expert, Sir Michael Lyons. It is to be welcomed when politicians set out clear goals and then get expert assistance on their precise implementation and it is hard to understand your editorial writer's objection to this.

Secondly, Oxford has been ignored by housing ministers under the coalition Government – the last housing minister to come was Labour’s John Healey back in 2010. It is surprising the Oxford Mail doesn’t welcome it when a new shadow minister comes down and takes time to meet local people (including your journalist) and understand the situation here first-hand.

Thirdly, Oxford Labour has lobbied hard for a recognition that the city’s housing need cannot be met within its boundaries alone. Our housing crisis gets worse by the week – and to have a recognition of this from Labour’s shadow housing minister gives real hope to those feeling like they will be driven out of their city due to spiralling housing costs and is actually very welcome.

ED TURNER (Cllr), Deputy Leader (Labour), Oxford City Council