LETTER: Saddened at political '˜point scoring'

I am genuinely saddened to see them berate others of “political point scoring”, then do exactly that themselves.

As John Tresadern must know, there was a political consensus in 2008 that backed the Labour Government in bailing out the banks to avoid a major crash that would have had dire consequences for us all.

Yet he continues to peddle the myth, rubbished by the IMF and many academic studies, that Labour caused the “dire financial crisis”. The 2008 financial crisis was caused by global forces, essentially a “free for all” by banks and hedge funds in grabbing whatever profit could be wrung from the unsuspecting public at large in an unregulated market (one in which the Tories were calling for further de-regulation).

As for accusing Kevin Foley of “being stuck in the past as Labour has nothing to offer”, I suggest he actually listens to what Labour says and realise there has been a break with the past and that he takes note of our alternative economic plan which has much support from economists.

In respect of Cllr Burfoot’s view that the public is sick and tired of the NHS being treated like a political football, I would only say that decisions about spending and retaining often excellent public services, are political choices.

This country continues to spend significantly less than most European countries on health, we in the Labour party will continue to campaign on the issues of health and social care.

We are a rich country and can find the money for the NHS.

We will also celebrate and build on the achievements of Derbyshire County Council in defending social care against the vicious government cuts over the last four years.

It should also be noted that during the previous Tory administration at county, the Lib Dem councillors, led by Steve Flitter consistently “nodded through” Tory policies.

Martin Rutter

Chairman, Matlock & District

Labour