The News and Star readers have reacted to a protest being organised against Workington MP Mark Jenkinson.

Asa Pegler, a trans activist, has published TikTok videos calling for action against the Workington MP, Mark Jenkinson, one of which has thousands of shares and likes.

He is organising a protest against Mr Jenkinson for his 'transphobic' statements.

Margaret Cameron said: "Why does out local MP not concentrate on the issues in his constituency and keep his personal opinions to himself ? There are lots of problems in Allerdale needs attention and Cockermouth is in his constituency not just Workington and district."

Jamie Penquite-Green said: "Much like people learning about women’s rights and liberation, gay and lesbian people and their struggles in the last fifty years - learning what it means to be transgender to support loved ones and people in our community is important too."

Rebecca Pegler said: "He is also fully aware of the mental health struggles my son has gone through in relation to being trans, yet again he shows his ignorance and lack of understanding in the language he chooses. It’s sad and outrageous that he would want young people like Asa to believe that their entire local community supports the views he holds. Perhaps his time and tax payers money would be better spent on addressing the dire lack of mental health services for young people in Cumbria? Surely that should take precedence over causing division against minority groups?"

Mark Jenkinson, who denies the label 'transphobic' and identifies as 'gender-critical', said in response: "The [TikTok] videos are quite deranged.Trans men aren't men, and trans women aren't women, sex is something we cannot change, that is the scientific view, and there is no need to educate myself on any view. It's not just the view of me and my constituents. All I've ever said or done is point out the difference between gender and sex."

Asa Pegler added: "There is a great risk to trans lives in Cumbria due to his beliefs. Most people see MPs as those who are trustworthy, intelligent people who know what's right, therefore he's highly influential to those who hold him so high in society."