THE UK is one of the most unequal countries in the industrialised world.

Inequality has been increasing since the late 1970s, and without a clear strategy to address this, is likely to continue to rise.

We know the more unequal the society, the greater the incidence of health and social problems, such as infant mortality, obesity and violent crime.

Impelled by these facts, Poole Quakers have embarked on a campaign of letter-writing to Parliamentary candidates and political leaders to ask for details of their policies to reduce inequality in our society.

We say this is a central issue to be considered as the General Election approaches.

We are concerned by the extremes of wealth and poverty that we see in our midst.

As an example, there should be no need of food banks in any modern, advanced society.

We invite people to consider how best to create a society which reverses this trend towards greater wealth inequality.

Dare we hope that our next Parliament has the will to take action to reduce the damaging effects of inequality that are apparent throughout our society?

BARBARA CRAWFORD

Assistant Clerk, Poole Quakers