Martin Wolf (“We must fund oppositions properly to save democracy”, Opinion, February 17) is wrong. The present government’s failings are not caused by inadequate preparation but by failure of political will and voter fear. It is one of the most damaging features of modern politics. What sensible opposition rules out increases in the three biggest revenue raising taxes before an election?
There are a whole series of policy areas like social care, where all parties know reform is desperately needed and report after report has told them how to do it, yet voter fear stops them doing anything about it. It is not because of a lack of policies but a failure of politics and democracy. It is caused by politicians following opinion polls rather than giving leadership and fighting to persuade people to do the right tough thing.
I believe there are enough people in the country who want their politicians to do the right thing and tell it as it is. We don’t need more spent on policy research. We need leaders who will lead.
Ian Wrigglesworth
Liberal Democrat Peer, House of Lords, London SW1, UK
