WHERE was the tide of anti-establishment fervour so prominent in much of the pre-election discourse? Where was the vote for change, the end to austerity?

Was the need for change not made clear enough? Are we okay that the primary motive of those who now run the NHS is profit rather health? Should we feel comfortable that in the sixth largest economy in the world, we have one million adults and children visiting foodbanks each year?

Is it okay that in the 21st century we still have 20,000 children dying every day from preventable poverty-related illness and disease? Is it okay for big corporations to avoid paying tax while also avoiding paying staff adequate wages?

Have we not had enough of the degrading, anti-immigration rhetoric spouted from the right? Are you embarrassed the UK have permitted only 170 Syrian refugees, whereas other European countries have welcomed tens of thousands? When are we going to properly engage in public debate regarding climate change?

Among this great despair there is hope. York is a progressive populace. The local elections showed great support for the Green Party, doubling the number of councillors and in Fishergate taking more than 50 per cent of the vote. Together we can make a difference.

Locally we can fight austerity and reach out to the disadvantaged. As a community we can support local independent businesses, protest against privatisation of public services, and help out those most vulnerable.

Seb Butterworth, St Clements Grove, York.