After reading Joe O’Keeffe’s letter in last week’s paper – Work together in a common cause for good of society (Keighley News, August 15) – I tried to imagine what those who may disagree with his views would offer up in their defence this week.

Will there be some who will complain they can only dream of retiring at 55, or those who feel we are still “all in it together” and that cuts must be made to reduce the mythical deficit?

Others may use the tired old cliches about remembering the days when unions had too much power, or that if the firefighters are not willing to safeguard people, then others must.

Sadly, these thoughts and ideas play right into the hands of the present government, and those who wish to lower the expectations, aspirations and ambitions of the general populace. Why should we all work towards a fairer, happier, more fulfilled country when we can spend our time complaining they don’t work, or they shouldn’t have a pay rise or they have shorter hours?

As Mr O’Keeffe says, the present government uses every opportunity it can to turn different sections of our society against one another. If you make everyone think we should all be working longer for lower pay, and that to have an organised body (i.e. unions) fighting for the rights of its members is wrong, while believing companies that introduce zero hour contracts, cut wages and move production abroad are simply adapting to market forces, then you are having the wool pulled over your eyes and believing the lies you are being told.

Antony Silson Skipton Road Keighley