WHILE no one would disagree that Government debt is quite high at the moment, running at around 70 per cent of GDP, it is a complete myth to suggest the debt is out of control.

It is worth remembering that between 1920 and 1960, government debt never dropped below 100 per cent (reaching 250 per cent of GDP in 1945).

Yet the post war Labour Governent still managed to create the NHS and welfare state.

It is also a complete myth to suggest that the public sector in this country is too big.

In fact, Britain spends far less on services such as health and education than most other Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development countries.

The truth is that the Tories never wanted an NHS, a welfare state, and state education. So by lying about the extent of Government debt, they have created an opportunity to destroy these services.

How about raising income tax for people earning over £100,000, clamping down on tax evasion, scrapping plans for Trident, and withdrawing the troops from Afghanistan? While this may not completely solve the debt problem, it is certainly a fairer alternative than endangering the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable in society by slashing important benefits and services.

David Lowdon, Crook.