We must start demanding the government our country deserves

Our country faces severe challenges, which are exposing numerous weaknesses in the delivery of our public services – the crumbling NHS, poor policing, a failing and polluting water industry, shortages of workers in many sectors and an under-performing economy. I find myself constantly asking why the ministers responsible for these areas appear to have no capacity – or even interest – in taking tangible action to address these issues.

I believe that the answer lies in the fact that this cabinet was selected almost entirely on the basis of uncritical support for Brexit. Since the prime minister has continually refused to acknowledge any of the challenges involved in implementing Brexit – and has in fact lied about them on numerous occasions – he has created a culture where it is considered acceptable for ministers to deny economic realities or to pin these on scapegoats when the problems become too obvious to ignore.

It’s a cliche that electorates get the politicians they deserve. If our country is to have a government worthy of our national strengths, it’s time for every voter to contact their MP, call out the lies and obfuscations and insist that our government dispenses with meaningless soundbites and tackles the job it was elected to do.

Paul Rex

Hants

I read your editorial with interest and agreement. The tenor of your article is correct and reasonable that of course politicians need their holidays from the unremitting crises affecting this country. It has almost an apocalyptic feel to it and is very concerning.

Gordon Brown is a statesman who does have the best interests of the people of this country at heart and he does often show how it can be done. Keir Starmer is in a different position being the current leader but he does need now to come out proactively with ways and means of tackling this energy crisis and not prevaricate with caveats, straight-from-the-hip talking is now the order of the day.

Judith A Daniels

Norfolk

After the Second World War, the Ministry of War rebranded itself as the Ministry of Defence, a euphemism to appear less bellicose. Since the National Health Service is struggling to meet patients’ demand (ageing population, budget contraction, staff shortages, Covid, the reduction of sexual health and mental health services, compounded by overt governmental apathy, all combining to narrow its scope), it has become a purely reactive body, dealing with acute illnesses at best.

In today’s NHS there is little pretension towards the actual promotion of health, so is it not about time for the government to be honest about the NHS’ current and future capabilities and consider a new title?

A “National Sickness Service” is what we now have, leaving private providers to exploit the opportunities for health promotion through screening for those who can afford the cost of being “worried well”.

Dr Alistair Vincent

Chipping Barnet

When Russia invaded Ukraine, Nato said if its aggression extended to harming Nato countries it would take action to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Western European and other Nato nations.

We are now nearly six months down the line, thousands of Nato citizens are being driven to penury by Russia’s weaponising of energy, yet the Nato governments are taking no action to defend its citizens. Moreover, the government seem to be using the situation to help the energy companies make obscene profits, to the detriment of its own citizens.

My question; what are we going to do about it?

David Janes

Nottingham

I must be stupid, as I cannot understand how putting up interest rates will reduce inflation.

Prices of energy, food and more have risen for reasons including the war in Ukraine, the pandemic and Brexit costs. People are already cutting back on their wider household spending in order to pay the higher costs of these basic necessities.

Apparently the Bank of England has only one weapon in its armoury to tackle inflation – that is, to raise interest rates. The rationale for raising interest rates is that it will curtail people’s expenditure and this will lead to lower prices. Higher interest rates will put up the costs of mortgages and rents. They will also encourage people to save, it is said.

The huge increase in the cost of basic necessities is already curtailing people’s expenditure. Everyone is wondering how they will manage to feed and heat themselves this winter. Most haven’t got anything in the way of savings.

If their rent and mortgages are now to rise as well, how on earth will this reduce inflation and increase savings? Am I missing something?

Alison Willott

Monmouth