Rafael Behr is spot-on (Inane and Orwellian: a Queen’s speech to improve the life of Boris Johnson, 10 May). The Queen’s speech was flimsy because it failed to offer any plan to assist the millions of ordinary people who will struggle to survive the impact of economic stresses ahead. And it was sinister, because underpinning this agenda is the iron fist of the state enforcing the erosion of our civil and human rights in actions reminiscent of totalitarian states. Judging by Prince Charles’s intonation and demeanour, I guess he might well agree too.
In the face of shrivelling incomes, escalating prices and a recession on the horizon, this government is not only devoid of ideas, but appears totally immune to the pain and distress already experienced by hard-working families without financial reserves, to those pensioners like Elsie (Woman who rides bus to stay warm is tip of pensioner poverty iceberg, 3 May) who have to choose between eating and heating, and all those whose income fails to provide even basic sustenance.
