Love and support that gives me faith in our future
often in the wake of disasters such as the terrorist acts in Manchester and London, and the Grenfell tower fire, people turn to a higher being. this could be because we are looking for answers to unanswerable questions.
I had first-hand experience of this nine years ago when my life was falling apart.
I had problems with money, health, my relationship and my job, on top of which a close family member committed suicide.
When I came into contact with Christians Against Poverty, who offer free debt counselling, I was sceptical at first, but soon it felt as though a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders.
With its support, I was able to stabilise my financial situation and now I support others who feel they have nowhere else to turn.
the issue of faith has been highlighted by tim farron standing down as Liberal Democrat leader as he was unable to resolve his personal conflict between his faith and the views of his party. Prime Minister theresa May has said she prays for guidance when making difficult decisions. It is something I do constantly.
While much attention has been paid to the difficulties that different beliefs have brought to our communities, what is impressive is the coming together of people from all faiths at a time of stress to support one another without thought for race or creed.
While we can hold onto this, perhaps there is hope for us all.
LINDA PIGGOTT-VIJEH, Combe St Nicholas, Somerset.
A deal of confusion
ABSURDITY is being taken to new levels regarding Brexit. the EU is steadfast in its view that when we leave, Britain will not have access to the single market and the customs union. It’s not negotiable, but carved in stone and out of the question.
Why, then, are pro- eU MPs implying they will vote down any agreement that doesn’t give access to the single market and customs union? Such a deal is not on the table, yet these MPs are looking for any excuse to damage our negotiations to leave the EU.
PHILIP CODD, Manchester.
Speech’s empty words
THE Queen’s Speech was notable for what was missing as much as what was in it.
Gone was the promise of urgent action on social care, dashing the hopes of millions of people who want to see resolved the crisis in how we should care for our older and vulnerable adults.
Plans for a dementia tax were dropped, replaced by nothing except lengthy consultation.
MIKE PADGHAM, Scarborough, N. Yorks. WHY so much criticism of the Queen’s Speech because it mainly concerned Brexit? Surely this is the most important thing for our country for the next two years. DAVID HUTCHINSON, Great Baddow, Essex.
Seek redemption
KENSINGTON and Chelsea chief executive nicholas Holgate’s resignation after the Grenfell tower fire is an acceptable first step. Sir Winston Churchill took responsibility for the Gallipoli disaster in World War I and then redeemed himself by volunteering for the front line.
Similarly, disgraced Cabinet minister John Profumo worked with the disadvantaged in the east end of London for the rest of his life. ZARAYNA PRADYER, Chessington, Surrey.
Don’t judge parents
AFTER much thought and research, my daughter decided not to have her two children vaccinated. Was she selfish or irresponsible (femail)?
I don’t think so. Her husband’s son by his first wife was a delightful, intelligent, walking, talking three-year-old, but the day after a multi-vaccination, he lost the use of his speech, and it became apparent he had suffered brain damage.
He is now 22 and a tall, handsome man, but he is reliant on carers for all his needs.
I support my daughter’s decision. Given the choice of playing Russian roulette with her children’s health, I can’t think many parents in that situation would take the risk. Recently, I took one of her children for an asthma check. the GP demanded I ‘talk sense’ into my daughter and get him vaccinated.
I asked him whether he would have his children vaccinated if his first- born had reacted so catastrophically to an injection? He didn’t reply, but the surgery nurse did apologise on his behalf.
Name and address supplied.
Stop OAP payments
AS A far-from-rich pensioner, I am embarrassed to receive a winter fuel payment that I don’t need. I also don’t see why it is fair to have my pension increase triple-locked when working people have no such guarantees.
And there seems no good reason why my TV licence is paid for me just because of my age.
of course, I can give the money I save to charities, but that doesn’t make it a wise government policy in time of financial restraint. CLIFFORD WEBSTER,
Hove, E. Sussex.
Bye, bye, austerity!
HAVING had to impose my own austerity plans when my credit card maxed out, I shall take the brilliant advice from Jeremy Corbyn and simply ban austerity.
though I have only managed to pay off a little interest, I shall put the card in a drawer and forget about it.
I have managed to get another credit card, albeit at an exorbitant rate of interest, though several banks had the rudeness not to offer me a replacement after seeing my credit score.
I shall use the new card to buy a car and go on holiday. the mortgage must wait.
Why the Government can’t ban austerity I don’t know, as everyone says it is easy. Sorry, I have to go — the bailiffs are at the door. TONY PARKER, Market Harborough, Leics.
Railroading drivers
THE pay rise to £75,000 offered to Southern Rail drivers was just a bribe. the Government thinks it can buy its way out of problems.
As a nurse, I agree that the emergency services deserve a rise, but it won’t happen as the Government knows we’ll never take industrial action.
the drivers refused this offer in support of the train guards who face losing their jobs.
Why should the drivers hang their heads in shame (Letters)? they could have taken the greedy option, but did what was right.
BRYN FITTON, address supplied. THE reader who said train drivers should hang their heads seems to have forgotten that having caused misery to commuters for more than a year, they have no shame. MICHAEL J. LOCKE,
Gillingham, Kent.
Double voters
MY THREE children received two polling cards for separate addresses for every election while they were at university.
of course, they only voted once each time, but I am worried that other students may have voted twice in the General election, particularly in marginal seats.
Name and address supplied.