RE, Guy Harkin’s gross over-generalisation of pensioners’ losses. He says fuel prices have gone up by 38 per cent since 2008 — correct, under a Labour government.

Pensioners will pay more tax? On what? If they are earning enough to pay so much tax, then they are not really pensioners, are they? And cutting the winter fuel allowance — they should be so lucky to get anything.

In my country, where temperatures fall to a level only dreamt about in the tepid UK, pensioners would be happy to receive some help. Instead, they get on with life, eat properly and keep their homes warm by keeping them well maintained and insulated.

A large part of the discomfort suffered by UK pensioners is caused by poorly constructed housing, poor insulation and generally poor maintenance.

If today’s pensioners are suffering, look to your beloved Labour party. They were in power for so long it will take almost as long again to get the UK back on its feet. Who really is the scaremongerer, Mr Harkin?

Dr GC Gibson Czech Republic