IF I have interpreted Jeremy Whiting’s comments correctly (HAS, May 5), he believes our Government is not responsible for our current economic catastrophe, nor for our educational standards.

Sadly, some 25 per cent of the country’s 11-year-olds are unable to read or write .

The Financial Services Authority, created by this Government, failed to control the recklessness of our banks.

As a result of the Government bailing out the banks their debts have become the responsibility of the taxpayers and yet Government still allows bonuses, huge pensions and junkets to be paid from our money.

It is no wonder that we have no faith in the financial system.

Gordon Brown has overseen the scrapping of RAF Squadrons, Army regiments and ships sold off or scrapped.

It is true that more money has been spent on the police, but most has gone on civilian staffing and very little on frontline police who patrol the streets where the public would see a difference and be comforted.

I am sorry to say but this Government has a lot to answer, but that does not let previous governments off the hook, as they too must take responsibility for their deeds. – John Waiting, Guisborough.