SIR – Why is it that when there is a problem anywhere in the world, Britain, one of the world’s smallest nations is the one that reacts?

There are major problems in Iraq again, and while we are denying our own people vital medicines and operations due to financial restraints, there are millions available for anyone else anywhere in the world.

Our own military are being made redundant because we don’t have the funds to pay them, or to reimburse those who have been maimed for life, yet there are billions available to bomb those in far-away lands.

Then when there is collateral damage, we will be accused by countries like Russia and China, whose military might far exceeds our own but refuse to help.

The rest of the world is probably laughing at us in the knowledge that humanitarian and military aid is being provided by Britain while they sit and watch safe in the knowledge that it is not costing them a penny, and none of their service personnel will be harmed.

When will we start to treat our own people with the priority we give to others?

Keith Rayner, Laburnum Drive, Baildon