SIR – I share Michael Murphy’s deep disappointment about the way Liberal Democrats have sold out to the Conservatives in Government (Letters, December 3). I am particularly frustrated that these two parties have cut Bradford Council’s budget so savagely – £56 million this year, £30 million next year, and more austerity looming thereafter.

I am keen, though, to reassure Mr Murphy that he need not feel disenfranchised. The Green Party is fighting these damaging cuts nationally and doing everything possible to mitigate their impact here in Bradford. The Green Group of councillors is participating fully in the budget-setting process in defence of care for our elderly residents and education for our children.

We are also pushing for real progress on sustainability, to ‘future-proof’ how Bradford Council uses energy and limits its carbon pollution.

We can invest now to cut energy use, drive down the Council’s huge utility bills and ease the pressure on its finances. We can generate more renewable power here, where we live and work, to drive the transition to a post-oil economy. And if our Council shows leadership in this area and works with our key partners, the district will follow.

Kevin Warnes, Shipley Ward Councillor, Deputy Leader, Green Group, Moorhead Terrace, Shipley