Financial crisis

THE Bank of England, government policies and lack of control have combined to ensure interest rates and fiscal policies have been dysfunctional since 2004.

This led to the financial climate that enabled the banking crash of 2008/9. The over-the-top measures of quantitative easing and ultralow interest rates that have persisted since, with the assistance of the pandemic, Putin’s aggression and Green policies, have resulted in the situation we find ourselves in.

Capitalism can’t function with interest rates so far divorced from the inflation rate. But to regularise the situation will undoubtedly cause a crisis.

JOHN PEARCE, Warwick.

Bean queen

I HAVE to disagree with Camilla. My family prefer Sainsbury’s baked beans, which are not as sweet as the Heinz variety.

MADELINE BATES, Southport, Merseyside.

IF SHE’S looking for the best baked beans, Camilla needs to transfer her allegiance from Heinz’s thin sauce to rich and tasty Branston. Serve with Duchy Originals’ wholemeal seeded bloomer, organic butter and full-strength cheddar from the brand, founded by Prince Charles. A meal fit for a future queen.

ANNIE HALE, Cheltenham, Glos.