War is on our doorstep – we can’t walk away now

Whilst the many other conflicts across the world must keep our attention, the invasion of Ukraine and the apparent stalling of the Ukrainian defence must not be allowed to be sidelined. This is possibly the most important issue facing Europe, and by default the rest of the world.

It is well understood that Russian leaders are historically undemocratic and aggressive in their ambitions. Russian president Vladimir Putin is no different and will ruthlessly take advantage of any opportunity to push forward his agenda. For better or worse, short of full involvement, supplies of armaments by Western powers to Ukraine must be increased. I say this as a natural pacifist and feel uncomfortable doing so. But the long-term consequences of this war on our doorstep, if it is allowed to succeed, are simply horrific.

Steve Edmondson

Cambridge

The hypocrisy of British politicians and media is manifest in the Assange affair. Alexei Navalny was arrested, tried and locked up because Vladimir Putin, in effect, the Russian state, didn’t like him. How horrific and unjust, say the British politicians and media.

Julian Assange was locked up without trial because he revealed the lies and crimes of the US. In effect, the US are out to get him, just like Putin and Navalny. Not only that, the injustice of keeping someone locked up and on remand for years is internment. He has already served more time in British jails than the US says he would likely be sentenced to.

Britain is acting like US puppets, as usual.

Kevin Smyth

Lisburn

Yet another conservative MP who was proven, twice, of a “sacking” or recall offence has complained that he has been treated unfairly and without integrity. Scott Benton, the MP for Blackpool South, was caught, charged, found guilty and confirmed at an appeal of a lobbying scandal. Now he has the audacity to blame others for a lack of integrity.

Benton had offered to lobby other MPs and leak confidential information for financial gain. The calibre and integrity of those in power, the Tories, has long been called into question. Indeed, two of our past PMs have paid fines for lawbreaking already. Why should we think that the lesser mortals would be any different? The sooner we oust the current incumbents, the sooner the job of revitalising Britain can begin.

Keith Poole

Basingstoke

The problem for Kemi Badenoch in choosing to attack former Post Office chair Henry Staunton and accuse him of spreading falsehoods, is one of her own credibility.

She has continued to insist that Brexit has been a success despite analysis by leading economists finding that it is doing quite the opposite, and damaging our economy. For example, the reputable Cambridge Econometrics put the bill for the slump in annual exports at £100bn.

Then she was plunged into a separate row over a claim she is engaged in trade talks with Canada, which the country says do not exist.

How can we trust her in this new war of words?

Roger Hinds

Surrey

Recent analysis by the Royal College of Psychiatrists revealed the explosion in emergency mental health referrals for young people. These are just the latest figures in a long line of official data underscoring the crisis in Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMHS) services.

This follows the Mental Health of Children and Young People in England 2023 report, published last November by NHS England, which found that 20.3 per cent of eight to 16-year-olds had a probable mental disorder in 2023. Among 17- to 19-year-olds, the proportion was 23.3 per cent, while for 20 to 25-year-olds it was 21.7 per cent.

This translates to 600 young people each week at risk of suicide, self-harm or death by eating disorder. The reasons behind these alarming numbers are complex but include: poverty, school stress, family breakdown, substance and alcohol abuse, child abuse, climate change anxiety, internet use, lack of exercise, poor diet, post-pandemic repercussions and bad housing.

After 30 years working in this area I’ve seen report after report showing the extent and increased prevalence of problems. All the while, politicians repeat platitudes and make promises that fail to materialise. The next budget and a change in government offer an opportunity to take CAMHS seriously, invest in early intervention, improve family support, mandate mental health into the school curriculum, and support teachers who are in the front line of this crisis with counselling provisions in every school.

Steven Walker

Former CAMHS head, Anglia Ruskin University