I READ with interest the comments from your interviews about the forthcoming election (Chronicle, May 30). The level of apathy is somewhat scary given the challenges ahead. 

We have, in 15 years, seriously undermined (mis-managed) our economy, the environment and public services in general, from the way we handled the pandemic, to political lies (from ‘partying' to Brexit) and ‘mini budgets’. 

National debt is at the highest level since the 1960s, NHS waiting times are damaging our health, the UK's annual growth rate has fallen, we are behind other advanced countries for public and private investment and we lag behind the Eurozone because of trade barriers. Taxation is at the highest level since the Second World War, real wages are falling, there's been an explosion in the use of food banks and poverty and, despite Brexit and repeated government promises, migration has reached a record levels.

Yet Gerald (78), says: “I'm not really bothered. I'm a pensioner and so is my wife and it does not really affect us.”

Really? Surely public transport, libraries, social service, NHS waiting lists, and how far our pension goes are critical as we get older.

Whatever your age, views, politics and circumstances (unless you are mega-rich and can afford privileges the rest of us can only dream about), what happens in the next election is important, and everyone should vote.

It may take more than a decade to fix the mess we are in nationally, but let’s try!

Jos Creese,
Rareridge Lane,
Bishop's Waltham 

Send letters by email to newsdesk@hampshirechronicle.co.uk or by post to Editor, Hampshire Chronicle, 5 Upper Brook Street, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 8AL.

All letters and e-mails must include full names and addresses (anonymous letters will not be published), although these details may be withheld from publication, on request.

Letters of 300 words or less will be given priority, although all are subject to editing for reasons of clarity, space, or legal requirements. We reserve the right to edit letters.