DEAR Mr Starmer,

This Scottish woman is happy for her blood to go to anyone in need. I’m happy for my taxes to be used to help feed hungry people or educate children, and build infrastructure which will benefit the environment as well

as society.

I don’t have any say about my contribution being used to fund weapons of mass destruction or PPE contracts that don’t deliver good service to the NHS. I have no say about the hundreds of people in the House of Lords given tax-free allowances just for turning up. Are you likely to turn down a seat in the House of Lords (if it is offered at some future point) or will you admit it is affront to democracy?

The environmental cost of mining uranium – as well as the health costs to the miners – concerns me, but it looks as if Westminster will continue to promote this as an energy source even though they have no plan yet for ultimate storage of spent fuel rods. I am insulted that my tax contribution may be used for that.

Instead of waffling about the SNP or nationalism, please take the time to understand why people are turning their backs on your party. Do something about the rising gap between rich and poor; abolish student fees to create opportunities for young people; fix the housing market; make war on jobs that don’t safeguard workers’ rights; explain how you plan to increase funding to renewable energy and clean, green, innovative businesses; reward the NHS by paying its staff properly and tell the country that you plan to make social care as good as it is in many other European countries.

How are you going to pay for this? Billions (billions!) will be saved by cancelling Trident. Perhaps some of the money saved can go to the real threats of cyber crime and fighting terrorism and also equipping (properly) the real heroes of defence, our human armed forces.

By getting rid of nearly 800 “Lords” you can save their attendance allowance, and their expenses, and their subsidised restaurants, then rent out their too-small chambers to businesses who would scramble to get premises with that address. That way, those who really graft keeping the place going would get to keep their jobs and maybe make more in tips.

Cancelling HS2 would save a bit as well. And I see the cost of Hinkley Point is spiralling – was

it a fourfold increase over six years? And what about that possible £17 billion subsidy the taxpayer might have to pay once it is completed – food for thought?

Then you can build a purpose-built parliament in the Midlands, producing jobs and “levelling up”, showing the country that you value all areas, not just London, again saving a fortune. The Houses of Parliament can become a tourist attraction and that might pay for maintenance, All those paintings belonging to the country (that no-one gets to see unless they are a politician) can furnish an art gallery.

Become a champion of tidal energy and if you site your machinery carefully, you may even be able to stop some of the tidal erosion blighting the lives of so many coastal dwellers.

Finally, honour the Brexit vote for Northern Ireland and Scotland. Give up on this “You’re part of the UK so you’ll have to lump it” mentality. Find a way to undo some of the damage.

Maybe some bright aide will bring this letter to your attention, but I doubt it. The Labour party in Scotland is deaf to what a lot of people want so why would anyone who doesn’t even live here give a scooby?

People in Scotland want to have a fair, inclusive society, welcoming newcomers and learning from them. We want to care for our sick and vulnerable. We’re excited that we have great resources for renewable energy. Many of us are not SNP members but we look at Westminster and see little to suggest these values are shared.

Jane Guz

via email