Memory loss
Having read Tom Gardiner's letter, Is Labour lost? (March 5), I wonder whether it is Tom's memory that is lost?
He appears to be under the impression that Labour is anti-business, and that it can only prosper under a Tory administration.
I doubt that many business were of that opinion when this Tory government introduced
their austerity measures, that saw a number of businesses 'bite the dust' and unemployment figures rise.
He also makes claims that Labour are the party of Tax and Spend.
This Tory government is one of Borrow and Spend!
It has already borrowed more money than any previous government, of any political persuasion, and is still borrowing – scattering it like confetti.
Does Tom think that this borrowing does not have to be accounted for?
How does he think that it will be repaid? Had he considered that it will eventually be the tax-payer?
Some would claim that, by spending money encouraging people to 'eat out', helping restaurants during the pandemic, was the cause of an increase in the infection.
However, the same government had to be shamed into providing the finance to provide meals for underprivileged children during school holidays. It is a coincidence that Marcus Rashford wears a red shirt?
During the international financial crisis, Gordon Brown took action to ensure that banks and building societies survived, which meant that business loans were not 'called in', which prevented a lot of job losses.
It also ensured that mortgages were not called in, so people did not lose their houses, and savings were also protected.
I do not recall any business complaining about the help that they had received.
At the general election that followed, David Cameron made claims about a letter claiming that: 'The cupboard is bare', apparently referring to the financial situation.
With the amount borrowing that this government has done, and is still doing, come the next general election, it is questionable as to whether there will even be a cupboard!
CH Saunders Carshalton Avenue, Drayton