SIR – Proposals to grant grandparents legal rights to maintain contact with their grandchildren after family breakdown are to be welcomed.

Grandparents play an increasingly important role in these days when so many couples both work. But if divorce or separation happens, they can be quickly ostracised.

So often it is the father’s parents who find themselves in the wilderness regardless of the harrowing effect this has on the grandchildren.

All they know is that the granny and granddad who have surrounded them with love have apparently abandoned them.

The Government report which includes proposals to enshrine in law greater access for grandparents is a positive step which hopefully will in future prevent innocent children suffering because of selfish parental bitterness.

Godfrey Bloom, UKIP MEP for Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, Main Street, Wressle, Selby