SIR – Local Conservative MP Philip Davies is always quick to associate himself with the idea that benefits for the unemployed should be cut, on the basis that those receiving welfare should not be better off than those in work. But, while few would disagree with the notion that ‘work must always pay’, it would be good to hear of the MP speaking out for higher wages for those who are actually in employment. This would serve the same principle Mr Davies seeks to support.

Generally, in the UK today, workers work the longest hours for the lowest wages in western Europe in a low-wage economy, which means even those in employment need to depend on top-up state benefits to their earnings.

Mr Davies could come out in favour of a living wage for all workers, but so far I have never heard him speak out in favour of this. I wonder why!

David Hornsby, West View Avenue, Wrose