AFTER listening to the new budget forecasts this week. Taxes up, to prop up the NHS etc. Really nobody talks about the real cause of the problem.

The government hasn't got a bottomless pile of money - they have to get it from us somehow.

All the thousands of asylum seekers, genuine and otherwise, pouring into this quite small country - have to be found homes, food, clothing money to live on. Also they need medical services - schools etc. Naturally to try and cope the NHS is running out of money and resources!

On top of that of course - is the cost of the war in Afghanistan - which will continue to need our help for a long time even when it is ended.

We've promised to help them re build their homes, schools, food, clothes etc.

The World seems to think we are a big wealthy country. We are expected to help with every disaster and war - to send food, fuel and supplies of all kinds.

No wonder our taxes etc have to go up!! I think Europe should do more!!

We and now America always seem to be left with it. Even America - not perhaps so much in this war - but in the earlier ones seem to expect us to do as much as them.

Its time we stood up like 'Australia' and said 'Enough is enough'. Let Europe take their share in all things!

MRS MARGARET LYDFORD, (ex service), Orchard House, Collin Lane, Broadway.