GARY MUNDELL (HAS, May 9) clearly enjoys a good rant, and no one would begrudge him that in these trying times. He should, however stick to the facts.

Labour did not introduce food banks. They have been set up by non-political religious and charitable groups in response to an increasingly desperate need.

There were a few foodbanks in 2008 as the worldwide recession took its toll on the poor – from 2010 onwards, under the Conservatives (and Liberal Democrats), the number grew rapidly, and there are now over 2,000 in the UK.

The constituency of Bishop Auckland had no food banks in 2010 – it now has seven, all badly needed.

Rant on, Gary, and keep us entertained, but do please get your facts right.

Michael Broadbent, Hamsterley.