The Tory approach to welfare has left many at the bottom of the ladder

Sunak’s approach to tackling what he calls “sicknote culture” reveals the Tories yet again scapegoating individuals while dismissing social conditions as a contributory cause.

People who are poor are more likely to suffer from ill health due to factors such as poor diet, aggravated by the cost of living crisis and inadequate housing. We need a government that acts to alleviate poverty so that people are able to climb up the ladder to a better life. Helping them to help themselves is more likely to reduce the burden on the state in the long run.

The problem with the Tories is that their approach on welfare, the NHS and other issues has made it more difficult, if not impossible, for the left-behinds to get on the first rung of the ladder.

Roger Hinds

Surrey

I could not find a single NHS dentist in my local area recently. I had no choice but to see a private dentist.

I was provided with a prescription for antibiotics, yet when I got to the chemist I was told that as I had attended a private dentist, I had to pay for my antibiotics up front; this was despite being a pensioner who is normally exempt from prescription fees.

So far, I have had to pay £523 in the last two months for private dental treatment, just to relieve the agony I have been in. I have taken out a loan just to cover costs.

This is the dental con under the Conservatives. It is now near impossible to find a local NHS dentist without extortionate waiting times. It has left many with no choice but to fork out money to see a private dentist.

The Conservatives have no care for the elderly, or for the system they rely on. I certainly will not be voting for them ever again.

They are heartless. They just don’t get it or frankly do not care about people’s suffering. Often a trait of the super rich...

Gordon Maler

Address Supplied

I read Holly Bancroft’s recent column with interest. Who can blame civil servants for taking legal action?

It would prove far worse if civil servants simply obeyed their “lords and masters” and broke international laws as a consequence.

The FDA’s General Secretary Dave Penman is absolutely correct that this hardline bill could be a cause of conflict of interest for his members.

But the even bigger question is how on earth did a Conservative government end up in the position of breaking international laws and instructing its civil servants to do just that?

This is parallel universe stuff and is deeply disturbing and controversial, which may cause many ethical and principled civil servants a regime of sleepless nights!

Judith A. Daniels

Norfolk

It is vital that whoever is successful in becoming the next Scottish first minister refocuses their efforts on boosting Scotland’s faltering economy.

There is a clear opportunity for a reset within the business community. A refocus on delivering a thriving and competitive business sector, prioritising investment and boosting economic growth, is essential to raise living standards and fund public services.

A new first minister’s priority must be to look at the regulatory and tax burden that faces many businesses, clearing away barriers to investment and growth, which includes a review of non-domestic rates.

As a nation, there are a number of long-term challenges facing the Scottish economy, including slow economic growth, slowing population growth and a decline in oil and gas activity.

However, there are tremendous opportunities in delivering a low-carbon economy with a drive towards net zero. A clear vision that will support economic recovery and stimulate private sector investment is essential to maximise the opportunities both from this and other sectors of the economy.

The next first minister has an opportunity to establish a new and strengthened partnership with businesses, a chance that must be grabbed with both hands.

Alex Orr

Edinburgh

The frenetic discussion around a new SNP leader is understandable. But the selective amnesia is not.

Can those with Kate Forbes in their calculations not have heard of a certain Rishi Sunak – who fills the exact same slot in recent Tory history as Forbes could for the SNP?

How is that working out?

Are the SNP seriously considering panic-picking the previously losing candidate? There was good reason why she lost last time and she has shown herself disloyal since, other than to her own ambitions.

After the limp Greens threw their toys out of the pram, going for the “Sunak option” would be self-destructive beyond lunacy.

And, frankly: if John Swinney is doing behind the scenes chit chats with Forbes, then he also needs a quick recap on early 21st century political history.

Calm down everyone with your political amnesia – short, medium and long term will resolve itself.

Amanda Baker

Edinburgh