We need a government that is invested in our future

What sort of democracy nightmare is this, where the PM can announce major policy decisions with no debate in parliament? No discussion, no opportunity for any opposition whether from within or outside parliament. Just a declaration, the merits of which are supported by very little evidence. How have we managed to sleepwalk our way to this?

We need a government that takes a long, hard look at what is needed to safeguard our future and they must be willing to invest in it. Tax cuts, especially if they benefit those with the most, cannot be a substitute for investment in infrastructure, health, education, a greener economy or anything else for which this country is really crying out.

Helen Watson

Henley on Thames

The recent furore on green issues and HS2 has firmly established what Rishi Sunak won’t do in government with no indication of future policies. There is a term for such an approach: stagnation!

At present the media is discussing the merits of past political slogans; perhaps the Tories might like to consider the following in light of their prospective “do nothing” manifesto? “No growth, low tax”. “End poverty; make child unemployment a thing of the past”! “Feudalism: a home and job for everyone”. “Stop the boats with absolute poverty!” “Brexit: a gift to the (Tory) Nation”.

“Stagnate so that we can finish the job (of ransacking Britain)!”.

David Smith

Taunton

I read your editorial (The King and Starmer are on the right side of history when it comes to the EU) with interest and agreement. The state visit by the King and Queen appears to have hit that mutual recognition sweet spot of amicable and proactive relations with France.

Also, Keir Starmer’s meeting with President Macron was productive about re-establishing a good working and cordial relationship with our neighbours.

As rightly stated, the rhetoric concerning Brexit has become toxic from the ultra-right wing Eurosceptics, but I would surmise their intractable time has passed and there now needs “grown-ups” in the room to make a reasonable silk purse out of a disastrous sow’s ear.

Yes, it is so important that the dire cold war entered into by past prime ministers is now warmed up by conciliatory moves, and the time of gratuitous insults has long been shown up for the self-serving errors they so obviously were. The public has seen the decimated Brexit wood for the trees and so should the government, and if Labour is showing mature perspicacity in this regard, then this is a welcome move and should gain its rightful support.

Judith A Daniels

Norfolk

There is a lot of talk about heat pumps and grants to fit them in place of gas and oil boilers – they still need electricity to run them. I don’t hear anyone discussing electric central heating boilers. I’m no expert, so could someone explain why electric heating systems are not being pushed as alternatives to gas and oil?

Clearly, the production of electricity would need increasing, but with the tech to do this using renewables I’m at a loss to understand – unless the whole grid would need upgrading at the possible cost to shareholders.

Andrew Mellor

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