MPs still sending out festive cards

People in Shropshire will still be getting Christmas cards from their MPs this year despite Shrewsbury MP Daniel Kawczynski opting to raise cash for charity.

Mr Kawczynski has decided not to send Christmas cards and will use the money that would have been spent on cards and postage to buy gifts for the Rainbow Ward - the children’s ward at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

But North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson said he was still sending out Christmas cards this year despite his fellow Conservative’s decision not to.

“Daniel is a free spirit but I am sending Christmas cards this year and they are signed and sat in my London office,” he said.

Ludlow’s MP Philip Dunne is also sending Christmas cards and is sending an e-mail version to contacts with electronic addresses.

“I have in previous years made donations to charity from sponsorship I have received from my Christmas cards,” added Mr Dunne.

Mr Kawczynski said he would be discussing the gift donation with the hospital to determine what the most suitable gifts were for the children.

“I am primarily doing this for the children, but this will also help the environment, saving a significant amount of paper,” he said.

David Wright, MP for Telford, said he would be sending cards as usual but would also be raising money for charity as usual.

He said: “I do send Christmas cards and I intend to send them again this year to organisations I work with.

“The MPs pay for their own cards and postage which a lot of people do not realise but it is quite right we do too.

“I give money to charities throughout the year and have a couple of local charities which I support.”

Mr Wright gave his winnings of a recent Westminster pool competition to Club 2000, a sports club for disabled people in Telford.

Mark Pritchard, MP for The Wrekin, said: “I think it’s important to uphold Christmas traditions to thank people for their support throughout the year so I will be sending cards as usual. I don’t publicise my private giving but I do support charities. Many charities rely on the income from Christmas card sales.”

By Rhea Parsons