Hunt’s savvy plan

SIR – The Autumn Statement (Letters, November 21) was the perfect illustration of the idea that “politics is the art of the possible”.

It was about re-establishing stability and market confidence, and it appears to have done that. Jeremy Hunt, the Chancellor, was politically savvy to offer numerous opportunities over the next two years to relax the planned fiscal restraint if global circumstances improve – which is possible. The pessimistic growth forecasts from armchair commentators are based on all the planned tax rises actually being implemented. This may not happen.

The Conservatives are in a difficult place but they have time on their side. The opposition parties’ plans would only make the economic situation worse. The Autumn Statement may indeed come to be seen as the day the next election was lost – but by Labour. Philip Duly

Haslemere, Surrey

SIR – The CBI is calling for an increase in immigration to relieve Britain’s labour and skills shortages.

Yet in some parts of the country, claims for unemployment benefit are twice as high as they were before the pandemic. In addition, the Government (funded by the taxpayer) is advertising on commercial radio to encourage people to claim benefits. If, instead, it encouraged them to return to work, we might see fewer shortages. Jonathan Pearson