BRITAIN is a rich country and yet relative poverty abounds especially amongst the older generation.

Many old people eek out an existence on a small state pension which is inadequate to meet their needs in this expensive age.

It is high time that this government substantially increased the state pension so that these people can live in dignity and comfort. Taxes may have to rise to pay for this, but this is a small price to pay to see our older generation participate in the wealth of our nation.

We owe a great debt to the old for it is through their endeavours which have created a country which is the envy of most of the world. Also they defended these sceptred isles in the great patriotic wars of the last century which ensured that we remained a free country.

Any government who does not place a high priority on the financial needs of our pensioners is not worthy of office and should be voted out at the next general election.

DAVID REES

Church Street

Swindon