SIR – The actions of struck-off solicitors James Beresford and Douglas Smith in deceiving sick miners make them a disgrace to their profession.

Men suffering from vibration white finger and chronic lung disease caused by coal dust needed help, advice and support. Instead their vulnerability was exploited for maximum profit.

Charles Middleton, managing director of ethical bank Triodos, has said about the 2008 financial markets collapse: “A system that puts the pursuit of profit so aggressively ahead of the people and natural resources required to make things or provide the services that people will buy – the real economy – comes at a high cost.”

The Silsden-based Ecology Building Society, Triodos and the Co-Operative Bank are among organisations that behave differently, steering us back to making the things we actually need and living within our means and the limited resources of the planet, a society where funds loaned by banks are matched by savers deposits.

This change of direction can lead us out of crisis to a better and happier future.

Shan Oakes, Green Party MEP candidate for Yorkshire & the Humber, Norwood, Beverley