Time for answers from MP
Madam,
At this moment in time, our country is facing a financial crisis the likes of which many have not seen in our lifetime. The government is now fuelling this with its latest mini-budget. 
They also have policies on fracking and the environment that are going to destroy nature. 
Even the normally placid RSPB, National Trust and Wildlife Trusts are enraged, where is our MP Mark Garnier?
I have written to him, emailed him, tweeted  him but have had zero response. 
In fact he has failed to answer any of my concerns this year. 
He writes a regular column in your newspaper, could we have some reassurance or some answers from from him? It is simply not enough to read a column in your paper once a week.
PA Jones 


Support our veterans 
Madam,
As the cost-of-living crisis deepens, we welcome any action to prevent the very real possibility of more people ending up homeless on our streets. 
Since the start of the pandemic, charities have seen a rise in the number of homeless Armed Forces veterans seeking their help – some report an increase of 50%. We are also seeing people with more severe and complex needs. 
When someone has served their country, the least we can do is support them when they make the move back to civilian life. Yet every year thousands of veterans end up sleeping rough, sofa surfing or living in unsuitable hostels because they’re unable to access housing and slip through the net. The cost-of-living crisis will only make the situation worse.
The Armed Forces Covenant states that anyone who has served should face no disadvantage and that veterans who are especially vulnerable should be prioritised for support. 
It’s vital that when someone needs help with housing, they are asked whether they’ve served in the Forces. If they have, this should be recorded. Once identified, they can be directed towards support that’s available. 
We are concerned that without action, things will get much worse. A more coordinated approach between local authorities, housing providers, homelessness charities and veterans’ organisations is needed.
No one wants to see more veterans on our streets this winter. Those that have served, often through the most trying of times, deserve better.
Richard Gammage
No Homeless Veterans Campaign 

 

Loyal friends need help
Madam,
Working animals perform vital roles in the world’s most impoverished communities, but they are often overlooked and many people are unaware about the extreme conditions they face. 
Across the world, more than 200 million working animals make it possible for poverty-stricken families to earn a small income and survive. By doing the jobs of trucks, tractors and taxis – and transporting goods, food, water and firewood – these horses, donkeys, camels and elephants support the livelihoods of more than half a billion people. 
Sadly, many working animals endure exceptional tough conditions, pulling heavy loads in extreme temperatures across dangerous terrain. 
On World Animal Day (4 October 2022), please visit www.spana.org/worldanimalday and help ensure working animals receive the recognition, respect and vital care they need. 
Linda Edwards 
Chief Executive, SPANA (the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad)