DEAR Editor – I read with interest the letter by Mr Neil Laurenson of the Green Party (This isn't working for most of us, April 7).

Whilst he legitimately voices his concerns over the problems facing our country, he makes some dubious assumptions on the views held by “most people”.

I agree that the current increases in energy prices is unpopular, but these arise from a combination of current events and failures by past governments (Conservative and Labour) to properly plan and exploit our natural resources.

Protests and demonstrations affecting the distribution and supply of fuel serve no useful purpose, other than to inconvenience the public, to the annoyance of most.

Equally, the purification of our waterways must be given more attention. However, the failure to properly dredge rivers and maintain weirs has taken second place to ‘re-wilding’ and preservation of fauna. Anyone who pollutes rivers or streams must of course be prosecuted.

The NHS in its present form is falling to fulfil its intended role. It voraciously consumes public money, is stifled by bureaucracy and manipulated by trade unions.

No one doubts the dedication of its frontline medical staff, but it is in urgent need of reform. Recent polls show that there are more people who are dissatisfied with the existing system than those who are content.

Present employment laws give adequate protection for employees. The P&O debacle arose from laws outside the control of the UK and the situation is being redressed. The majority of personnel involved have accepted compensation.

The test and trace system was a symptom of the general hysteria which gripped the country during the covid pandemic.

Overall, the government did well in coping with the crisis and should be given credit for its vaccination programme and efforts to bring back normality.

Money was wasted and the system for issuing contracts must be the subject of audit and recovery.

Finally, Mr Laurenson asserts that “...the government does not represent us. We either accept this or resist”.

Is he advocating revolution? Democracy, by definition is the will of the people; the majority must hold sway.

He is fortunate to live in one of the most democratic, liberal and tolerant countries in the world. We hold elections and the last one resulted in a democratically elected Conservative government.

Using his favoured expression, “most people” do not support disruptive protests and demonstrations, which cause damage to property and waste the time of the police and courts.

Nor do they subscribe to the views of so many minority groups who advocate extreme views and seek to undermine the historic civil society which we enjoy.

Mick Richards

Worcester