Westminster politics is toxic, and with Ukip running riot and the growth of separatism sweeping Scotland and now even the Isle of Man, it is not surprising that many people want nothing to do with the manipulative and arrogant behaviour of our business-oriented politicians. The cynicism of the MPs reached new heights last week when the business select committee showed its colours by attacking 38 Degrees leader David Babbs for daring to question the secretive pro-business TTIP negotiations. The comment by chair Adrian Bailey, “You’re not here to challenge, you’re hear to be challenged”, in a forum broadcast by the BBC was revealing.
However, it will not do for these new protest groups simply to ask people to support their campaigns. With the four pro-austerity parties – Labour, Lib Dems, Tories and Ukip – dominating the Westminster agenda, the challenge needed is not to policies, but to a fundamental threat to the democratic process posed by these politicians. I receive appeals for money from 38 Degrees, Compass and other groups, but this will not do. Their activities are admirable (Report, 28 November), but without a united front they will be swept aside by the Westminster machine and the politics of greed. I will now only give money to a clear and co-ordinated attempt to challenge the current Westminster pro-business consensus, bringing all the various groups together under one umbrella.
Trevor Fisher
Stafford
• Scotland wants independence. Britain may leave the EU. Chunks of our NHS being privatised. Demands for local income taxes. Our schools to be independent. Breaking up British Rail and our electricity supply industry, the consequences of which could become manifest this winter. Divide and rule is a bait suckers always swallow.
Bill Hyde
Offham, Kent
