SIR – The manifestos in this election show a dangerous myth – that welfare reform can be ‘safe’ if it’s targeted at the young. The appearance of young people at food banks tells us that this simply isn’t true.

Barnardo’s want to see the political establishment urgently re-embrace its role as a good parent – one that protects and nurtures the millions of young people who can’t rely on support from their own families, and one that is ambitious for every youngster to fulfil their potential in life. This means ensuring that crucial benefits are available to vulnerable citizens are fully supported to get the state help they need.

As it stands, on election day, the young people who have been rejected throughout their lives will find that they yet again have no one to turn to.

Javed Khan, chief executive, Barnardo’s