As psychiatrists, we condemn the ways in which mental health services have deteriorated over the past decade

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Labour have outlined a mental health plan that they pledge will ‘get people back to work’ as they aim to increase economic growth (PA)

We are writing to express our concern about the ways in which mental health services have deteriorated over the past decade. Writing in our personal capacity, as senior members of the psychiatric profession who have held national representative roles, we believe that the time has come to look at and deliver mental health services in a different way and involving both prevention as well as treatment.

An increased focus on public mental health, with the delivery of mental health care in a joined-up manner across health, education, employment, housing, justice and adequately funded social care is a different way forward.

We commend Labour’s approach and emphasis on the prevention of mental illness by addressing the social determinants of mental health, such as poverty, housing, education and employment. However, these are likely to be strongly influenced by geopolitical factors as the pandemic, ongoing conflicts and various disasters have shown. Labour’s pledge to implement a cross-governmental plan to tackle the root causes of mental health issues is essential for creating a society where everyone can lead happy and healthy lives.

Supporting mental health across the life span, but particularly of children and young people, is a significant cornerstone of Labour’s mental health plan that we wholeheartedly support. The early years are crucial for mental health development. We need increased access to mental health support in schools, delivery of community mental health hubs and to ensure that children and young people receive timely support.

Equally, looking after other vulnerable groups, including older people, those with intellectual disabilities, and those seeking sanctuary, in a connected and joined up manner is the way forward. Black and other minority groups are more likely to be detained than white people, often due to delays in engagement. People with intellectual disabilities do not have enough say in their treatment. We welcome the commitment to deliver equity between mental and physical health.

Dinesh Bhugra (Professor Emeritus IoPPN KCL, past RCPsych president 2008-2011, past president of World Psychiatric Association 2014-2017, past president of BMA 2018-2019); Mike Shooter (retired CAMHS psychiatrist, past RCPsych president 2002-2005); Robert Howard (professor old age psychiatry UCL, past RCPsych dean 2008-2012); Cornelius Katona (Professor Emeritus UCL, past RCPsych dean 1998-2003); Kate Lovett (consultant general adult psychiatrist, past RCPsych dean 2016-2021)

Tory arrogance is breathtaking

It is a bit rich for Sunak and the desperate Tories to say that a large Labour majority would threaten a one-party state and all sorts of other evils.

The Tories have been in power for much of the past 100 years, often with large majorities, even if not the super majority predicted for Labour. They have done their best to neglect, damage or even destroy much of the fabric of the state upon which many of our citizens rely.

They have inflicted on us the horrific long-term economic and international reputational damage of Brexit; and all they can offer are tax cuts – after they have left us with the highest taxes we have ever known. Their policy failures, their ignorance of what life is like now for millions in modern Britain, their hypocrisy, their sense of entitlement, and their arrogance are truly breathtaking.

Gavin Turner

Gunton, Norfolk

Making the case for assisted dying

Dame Esther Rantzen is right about assisted dying. While highly intelligent humans are still only animals, there is still no such thing as immortality. A person decides what they do with – and throughout – their lives, only for busybodies to interfere when they make their final decision. Why?

It’s not illegal to commit suicide, so why can someone else not assist you if you are incapable?

I recently had my cat euthanised because he had no quality of life – not the first pet lost in such circumstances. Each time carried out by a professional.

I watched my parents live beyond the point of having quality of life. I don’t want someone to wipe my backside, I don’t want to waste taxpayers’ money, I don’t want to hang about causing my family or anyone else to waste their lives. When time is up, it’s up – accept it, it’s normal.

Graham Cooper

Address supplied

Vote for animals, too

With every purchase we make, we may unknowingly endorse animal suffering. Testing on animals for cosmetics and ingredients linked to household items continues, despite the growing availability of modern alternatives – and could be linked to many more items, including clothes, furniture, electronic goods and paint.

This election gives us the power to push for change. By encouraging candidates to prioritise animal protection, we can align our shopping habits with our values and lead the way to a cruelty-free future. It’s an issue that affects us all and it’s time our policies reflected that.

Sylvie Dupuy

Address supplied

Let pensioners like me pay our dues

Labour’s mantra about not raising taxes for working people paves the way for retired people to pay National Insurance.

This would give a useful source of income and seems eminently fair given that many retired people are wealthier than working taxpayers and have a greater call on the NHS and social services. As a retired person, I sincerely hope that this is in Labour’s plan for when they are in power.

Tim Sidaway

Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire