The shameless profiteering of Big Oil and Big Banks must end

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Market prices may have dropped, but these companies have seen their opportunity to keep prices high (AFP/Getty)

Shell is accused of a profiteering bonanza after making record profits. It’s disappointing for consumers but not surprising given that the same exploitative practices have been pervasive since the cost of living crisis began.

The oil and gas market price may have dropped, but these companies have seen their opportunity to keep prices high and profits even higher and have grabbed it with both hands. And just as “Big Oil“ has seen its chance to get the most out of its loyal customers, big mainstream banks have been doing the same.

The Bank of England base rate has risen exponentially over the last 18 months. Still, mainstream banks seem to have remained slow to pass these increased interest rates on to savers. At a time when consumers are struggling more than ever with the cost of living, it’s no longer acceptable for big corporations, including banks, to put profit above their customers.

Nazim Valimahomed

CPO & Founder of Kroo

Another scandal, why am I so surprised?

So, just when you thought it could not get much worse for Rishi Sunak, along comes another two whoppers. First, we hear that as well as trying to get special treatment for a driver awareness course, Suella Braverman had undeclared charitable links to Rwanda!

And if that wasn’t enough, along comes fresh allegations of Boris Johnson breaking the Covid Rules, this time at Chequers! Why am I so surprised? How much more has been kicked into the Buckinghamshire countryside grass I wonder?

The Independent’s recent editorial has hit the nail on the head. It’s time to sack Braverman, ban Boris, and take total control of your party now Rishi.

Geoffrey Brooking

Hampshire

Braverman has very serious delusions of competence!

The latest debacle over Suella Braverman’s attempt to get special treatment over her speeding fine is typical of her consistently poor judgment and her assumption that she is especially privileged.

Her first forced resignation as a government minister came when she used her personal email to send secret government documents to a political ally. In her resignation letter, she then attacked the prime minister who had appointed her! She doesn’t like being corrected or held to account

Her latest problem stems from her attempts to involve civil servants in her personal life. Of course, civil servants cannot be involved in such matters, but the entitled Braverman seems to have regarded them as mere servants – not public officials!

She believes a privileged government minister cannot be expected to mix with the mere plebs who have also been caught speeding. “Plebs” who have accepted the consequences of a speed awareness course or fine without any fuss and drama!

Despite her political inexperience and gaffes, it appears she now seeks to be prime minister, publicly attacking the government policy on immigration for which she is personally responsible!

Her failings as a minister are blamed on the civil servants, the legal system, the opposition – anyone but herself. Braverman is a liability to a government who are seeking to recover some credibility after two disastrous leaders.

Regrettably, Suella Braverman has very serious delusions of competence!

Andrew Milroy

Trowbridge

Another sledgehammer policy?

I have no idea how many students bring relatives with them to the UK, but suspect not too many and that their presence causes very few demands, especially when one considers the fees charged.

Are the new proposals similar to voter ID? A sledgehammer to crack a nut when there’s not really a problem.

Dr Anthony Ingleton

Sheffield