SIR – The reaction of business leaders to Labour’s proposals on banking and Osborne’s proposed increase in the minimum wage shows how democracy is being strangled in modern Britain by our capitalist economy.

It should not be down to the unelected head of the Bank of England and wealthy, unelected shareholders whether the banks are reformed or large hotel chains pay a living wage.

The fuss over the minimum wage also highlights the desperation of millions forced into poverty wages and long hours they are too frightened to lose. My view is that the proposed increase isn’t enough; we should be paying the living wage and redesigning the economy to create more demand for products that are really needed.

In a true democracy, political parties wouldn’t be afraid to engage with radical solutions. How can they when the moment they try their feet are cut beneath them?

Quentin Deakin, Newark Road, Crossflatts