Challenge on ‘what people really need’ (From York Press)

Challenge on ‘what people really need’

10:33am Saturday 18th August 2012 in Letters

HUGH Bayley wishes to use time in opposition wisely, remarking: “It is easy to get policy wrong when you are in government.”

Like ID cards? Or the illegal Iraq war based on lies? Or the post office closures?

Or Mr Bayley’s lot initiating plans to force the working class to work until they drop, while protecting their own final salary pension schemes?

Mr Bayley has joined with other New Labour MPs to develop policies. Malcolm Wicks proposes a Savers’ Charter, Nick Raynsford proposes rental of spare rooms, John Denham suggests apps to force supermarkets to enable price comparison.

What people really need, Mr Bayley, is a proper minimum wage, dignified retirement, affordable housing solutions and subsidised rents with millions of new council homes built.

Shouldn’t big supermarkets be forced to aid independent local shops?

Mr Bayley’s suggestion for a patients’ right to treatment is a sticking plaster. The NHS requires adequate long-term funding, modernity, localism with urgent emphasis on disability and an ageing population.

Scary authoritarian governments cosying up to the rich and powerful don’t address the everyday needs and fears of the 99 per cent, Mr Bayley.

Tom Scaife, Manor Drive, York.