ABOUT eight years ago I made representations to a senior North-East Liberal Democrat regarding my concerns about the increase in the world's population.

This was prompted by countries in Africa where there are many large families but not the food to feed them.

At this time, the UK was on the cusp of being swamped with immigrants who would require houses, schools and NHS treatment etc.

The UK is but a small island and, in my opinion, can only take a minimum of immigrants, who have the necessary skills to fill vacancies in our workforce.

Now I hear that we have 24,000 vacancies in the NHS. Is it the case that immigrants do not have the qualifications to fill these positions or is it a case of overspending on budgets?

If it is the latter, why do we give £12bn away in international aid to countries where the money seldom reaches the intended targets?

Now we hear Senior Labour MPs calling for more council houses to be built. Then why did they sell off the council housing stock at the then-Labour controlled Sedgefield Borough Council?

I was the only councillor at the time who voted against this transaction. I consider that not everyone has the income to purchase a house, or may just want to rent a property.

When inflation increases, many mortgage holders may need to return to a rented property and in my opinion, I would rather have them controlled democratically by councils.

Ben Ord, Spennymoor.