Lack of substance

AMID all the pomp and pageantry of the State Opening of Parliament, perhaps those involved should have paused for a moment and spared a thought for those who were not only absent but sitting waiting in hope that they would not be forgotten (your reports, 9 May).

I refer to those who are on the bread line, suffering the scourge of unemployment and living on benefits. But hold on, the Queen’s Speech indicated that those who strive to work will find it pays, Oh, that is if you can find a job. There was nothing in the coalition’s future legislation to boost the country’s economy and create jobs. Perhaps we should consider the future cost to the country of such events. Are they necessary, are they relevant in today’s society, when one of the growth industries in the United Kingdom is food banks?

Catriona C Clark

Hawthorn Drive

Banknock, Falkirk