SIR – On March 3, 20 professors of economic history wrote in a national newspaper that the level of public sector debt in this country is NOT high in proportion to our national income.

It was higher in much of the last 200 years, evidently, including most of the inter-war and post-Second World War years.

Debt is low in comparison with most of the developed world – only Germany and Canada have a lower level.

They now call for “radical, global regulation” to avoid future financial crises.

The question is, which party is most likely to take part in global regulation, keep their heads and promote “economic growth, which can speed up the repayment of public debt”, as these experts recommend. I suggest the actions of Bradford’s Conservative political leader, Kris Hopkins, who wanted no rise in council tax, show him to be incapable of longer-term leadership (he is seeking election as MP for Keighley and Ilkley).

As Council leader, he is content to use approximately 75 per cent of the financial reserves of the Council in one year, which is likely to cause unnecessary loss of jobs and services for local people this year or next. Robert Holland, Skipton Road, Cononley