• YOUR front page conveyed in a detailed way the pain and the devastation caused by the previous seven days – horrendous with the brutal stabbings and deaths of our young people, (After night of horror… is austerity killing our children? February 22).

The concerned response of ordinary Camden people and working-class Londoners has been heartwarming and so characteristic. In the face of misfortune we come together in a spirit of help and co-operation.

So, it was a real shock on Saturday morning when I got into a conversation with one of the Conservative activists campaigning outside Waitrose, Finchley Road. Knowing that the “Beast from the East” was on its way and that we have large numbers of both homeless on the streets and people and families on the council waiting list, I asked what they intended to do about the chronic social housing shortage in London.

The answer wasn’t one I had expected: “If people can’t afford to live in London they shouldn’t be here.” But we’ve always provided council housing for those on low wages, I said. “Oh so you want people to be given free accommodation?” the well-spoken, middle-aged, woman replied.

I asked if this principle applied to people having to get food from foodbanks? Should they be left to starve? All I got to this question was a smile before she turned to talk to a friend. I walked away gobsmacked. The ghost of Thatcher still very much haunts the Tory party.

PHIL VASILI
NW5