Remembrance week had extra poignancy for me this year. I remember the reality and the spirit of that time.

On August 12, 1942, Clara Milburn wrote in her diary of a visiting American professor’s amazement at the health of the people after three years of war.

“The children are splendid... there is no malnutrition.”

It was a matter of pride that we all tightened our belts so that we could all be healthy. Fit to fight.

By contrast, in the war against Covid, the Institute for Fiscal Studies records that seven months after lockdown, the poorest fifth of households are, on average, £1,220 poorer than at this time last year.

Average families in every other income bracket have gained.

This confirms my present concerns.

‘Universal’ credit makes a mockery of our use of words and ‘common’ sense.

It does not work for the poorest. It is partial. It provides jobs for bureaucrats.

Our fiscal policy deals with broad sweeps, ignoring the dust under the carpet.

Too much money lingers in banks, goes to fraudsters or big businesses who can’t keep promises.

Effective investment is called for. Tinkering with an inadequate system is not good enough.

War on Want? We need the resolve and leadership to face a sustainable future together.

Barbara Ferris
Dinedor