OUR MP’s column in the Keighley News of June 3 quite rightly expressed an appreciation for all those that put themselves forward for volunteering. Behind what I would cynically regard as the MP’s platitudes there hides a complete lack of appreciation and acknowledgement of the fundamentals as to why people are compelled to volunteer in the first place.

Our MP identifies several good causes and campaigns, but why are these even necessary? Why should a hospital or educational establishment depend on volunteers to raise funds necessary to support new equipment or essential services? Why should hospices that provide such compassionate care at the most difficult times in people's lives be threatened by closure because their revenue stream of charitable donation is significantly impacted? Why should those on the lowest incomes depend on food banks, the modern-day equivalent of the Victorian soup kitchen? Why should people with an environmental conscience have to fight through the courts for clean river water from a private utility provider? All of these would not exist without the significant contribution that their volunteers make.

Basically, it comes down to Government policy choices and private company profits. We have seen an explosion in the number of people that are compelled to volunteer as they see so much going wrong due to the policies of a hard-line austerity-led government that lacks compassion for the most deprived in our society and only favours its own supporters and friends. Our government has excelled in two things – cronyism and increased division in society. Why should our taxation system provide the wealthiest people and the largest corporations a platform to avoid or evade tax? These people and corporations fail to meet an appropriate level of social responsibility to the exchequer and the country at the detriment to the whole country. This is felt most harshly by the most disadvantaged who are often so unfairly stigmatised.

Instead of talking about it Robbie, use your position as a law maker in the division lobbies of Westminster to support policies – often put forward by opposition MPs – to create the changes that are so desperately needed. Our country should not have to depend on volunteers, but we should all appreciate them and express our gratitude for everything they do.

David Loud, Silsden

* Email your letters to alistair.shand@keighleynews.co.uk