Dr Stephen Riley (Letters, 5 July) succinctly outlines the success of the Tories in providing for the elite they represent by redistributing wealth from the poor to the rich. I awoke on 5 July to a new dawn here in north Herefordshire: a Green party MP and a Labour government. After breathing a sigh of relief, I am filled with hope and joy because we’ve been left to live in a wasteland for far too long; disrespected, insulted, robbed, unloved and, many of us, destitute.
Paying taxes is joyful if the NHS is there for us, if everyone has the right to a home, a good education, transport, food and heating. This is what we need, not just for ourselves but for all our neighbours. If our new political leaders prioritise our wellbeing and the sustainability of the planet above profit, and they make a contribution to world peace, then this new beginning is really something to celebrate.
Janette Ward
Tarrington, Herefordshire
• While reading the paper on Monday, particularly the report on David Lammy’s visit to Europe (Operation reset: Lammy’s mission to reconnect gets off to flying start, 8 July), I started to feel something I couldn’t initially recognise. Then I realised it was positivity, and even pride, for my country.
Helen Beioley
Stroud, Gloucestershire
• One thing that needs to change is the trust of people in politicians, and this could start by civilising the House of Commons. Keir Starmer could lead the way in PMQs by not evading questions like previous incumbents have or shouting. The speaker could also help by ensuring that MPs are heard in silence and by allowing clapping – the way to show appreciation in polite society.
Robert Dyson
Kenilworth, Warwickshire
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