SIR – The gigantic American economy is six times bigger than ours.

Their firms have just over £1,000 billion in the bank. Ours have, to my astonishment, £750 billion! What lack of imagination and long-term thinking! Big business is focused on the short-term and share bonuses.

They should invest in the country, creating jobs. This is one of the main reasons for the dire state of Bradford and many northern towns, and it will get a lot worse.

The Inland Revenue calculates it loses £34,000 million due to illegal tax evasion and over-aggressive tax schemes. What could these vast resources do for the UK?

We need a peace time Churchill. I’m looking for one!

Trevor Hope, Harrogate Road, Bradford