SIR,

In the past week we have seen a number of events, from 'PastyGate' to the fuel pumps fiasco to the Bradford by-election, demonstrating to us what just everybody but the political elite seem to be already aware of. Politicians are out of touch.

Those elected in a democracy are supposed to serve us but history shows us they serve themselves. The times of Blair and Brown were times that the few did well at the expense of the many and the Coalition days are just the same, sadly.

We now have roads unfit for purpose, railways that are too expensive and so many public services fighting to provide against an onslaught of cuts and red tape.

But politicians are still paid handsomely and the various gravy trains from Europe downwards remain untouched. We are still stuck in the many paying for the few to have the life they want.

Most people know this, and if you are like me, you have often voted for the lesser of the evils presented to you. How can we trust these people who protect themselves at the expense of a nation?

It would be so nice to see a cut of 30 per cent in what the taxpayer gives to the elite and this money spent on the services and needs of the many.

Am I just dreaming to hope that money could then be spent on our infrastructure, housing and services and not on the cushioned world of those that make the rules?

Stephen Starkie

(Ross-on-Wye)