Should Tories cut taxes in order to be re-elected?

IF THE Tories cut taxes, as they are being called on to do (Mail), Keir Starmer can start measuring up for new curtains at No 10.

In the Red Wall seats, voters are concerned about energy prices, inflation, strikes and the state of the health service. Tax reductions mainly benefit the wealthy. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is on the right track.

If the Tories feel the need to show clear blue water between them and Labour, then how about tackling green taxation and subsidies? Scrapping the 2030 target for the ban on new petrol and diesel car sales would be a good start.

GERARD PEARSON, London SE6. ‘YOU’RE not idiots, you know what’s happened,’ Rishi Sunak reportedly told an audience when challenged on tax cuts.

Yes, we know that a shedload of money was splurged unnecessarily during lockdown and we know who was Chancellor at the time. Headless chickens rushing headlong for net zero left us with a gaping hole in energy security.

We also know there is no plan to improve the situation and the Chancellor is waiting Micawber-like for something to turn up.

GEORGE KELLY, Buckingham. THE Prime Minister is right that ‘only idiots’ would not understand why he was refusing to cut taxes. The last thing we need is to reduce our income as a nation. Look at the state of the NHS, our roads, the police, the fire service and schools. Every public service is in a dire state due to a shortage of funds.

DAVID MIDDLETON, Ely, Cambs. THE country is in deep financial trouble and things are likely to get a lot worse when the pay demands of all the strikers are agreed to.

The drain on public finances is as never before, yet some commentators are calling for a tax cut. I am no supporter of this Government, but surely it must resist such lopsided thinking.

RICHARD HARPER, Wrexham.

AFTER the damage inflicted by Liz Truss, I can’t understand the obsession with tax cuts.

While growth is essential, everyone knows that economic stability and a well-educated and skilled workforce are important for attracting investment. When it comes to winning elections, most people would be happy to pay tax to back a credible plan to restore vital services such as health, care and education. Let’s promote the universal benefit of long-lost Christian values such as loving our neighbour instead of the tacky seduction of contributing less to the common good.

ROGER HARRIS, Sidcup, Kent.