In his Friday column (The Press, February 8), Julian Sturdy MP does not mention the decision in the House of Commons to legalise same-sex marriage.

Perhaps this is because Mr Sturdy was one of 136 Conservative MPs to vote against the Bill, which overwhelmingly passed after support from the Conservative Leadership and Labour and Lib Dem MPs.

I am and many others found it profoundly disappointing that our local MP voted against giving equal rights to same-sex couples.

Everyone should be entitled to have the opportunity to make a commitment by marrying the person they love, regardless of their sexual orientation. No matter who you are and who you love, we are all equal and should be treated as such. It is difficult to understand how anyone can dispute this.

I am proud that Liberal Democrat MPs worked with David Cameron and Labour MPs to help deliver marriage equality. It shows that genuine cross-party working can secure progressive reform. It is just a shame that Mr Sturdy chose not to be a part of this.

Coun Carol Runciman, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on City of York Council.