IF P Burberry (HAS, June 12) really believes that Tony the Phoney is a brilliant leader, why has Tam Dalyell, the oldest MP in his puppet Government, labelled him Tony Blair, the worst PM he has ever worked for?

His Cabinet colleague Claire Short appears disgusted with the spin, lies and his arrogant attitude which are resulting in people in the country saying Mr Blair leads the most corrupt, ruthless and arrogant administration ever to rule our country, and that the man's sole ambition is to be the top man in Europe, irrespective of what happens to our once great and proud country.

I know Dracula hated the sign of the cross, but I think Tony Blair really hates the Union Jack and does not even realise what it stands for - freedom to rule our own lives in our country.

Does Mr Burberry really believe that there is no threat of Gibraltar being handed to Spain? - F Wealand, Darlington.

CONSERVATIVE PARTY

I FEEL sure that if the Conservative party produced some coherent policies, instead of indulging in the constant name calling and mud slinging, then it would fare considerably better in elections.

The sight of Teresa May lecturing the Government on the state of the transport system only serves to remind me of who was really responsible for the sorry state of the railways in the first place. - John Basey, West Allotment, Newcastle.

FARMING

IN reply to the two vitriolic letters attacking farmers (HAS, June 6), I would like to give one or two reasons why people should try to buy British-produced food and support farmers' fight for survival.

British food production is one of the best-regulated health conscious industries in the world. Frequent reports of imported food not produced to our standards are made.

Since BSE, enormous expense has gone into giving full traceability to our livestock. Animal welfare is constantly being improved. We have abolished sow stalls, while they are still used in other countries; similarly some countries still use hormones and insecticides which have long since been banned here.

Farmers undertake environmental schemes and much other work, for no tangible reward, to encourage wildlife.

An average net farm income last year was £7,500, and the current year is forecast to be even worse.

I think people should realise that farming is in a precarious state, as our Government seems intent on seeing the demise of as many farmers as possible.

If this is not rectified soon, Britain will be reliant on imported food over which we have no control. - J Heslop, Gainford.

HONOURS SYSTEM

TO even think of giving Jagger a knighthood is taking the mick, with his past credentials. Are those to be awarded honours picked from a lucky bag? - N Tate, Darlington.

T BOWYER'S letter ( HAS, June 11) only highlights the idiotic system of titles and honours which we use.

He asks what will Camilla Parker Bowles' children be called if she marries the Prince of Wales and he becomes King?

If a king marries, then his wife becomes a queen. If a queen marries, then her husband does not become a king.

A man receiving a knighthood will be called sir and his wife will have the title of lady. If a female gets an equal honour, she will be called a dame but her husband is left untitled. So it seems it is better to give men titles and their wives will also acquire one.

An award of an OBE means they have an Order of the British Empire. The British Empire disappeared years ago. So the MBE (Member of the British Empire) is a pointless honour, well out of date.

The honour of the Victoria Cross for valour is named after someone who died over 100 years ago, so why not have a William the Conqueror Cross? - E Reynolds, Wheatley Hill.

MUSICAL GREATS

SIR Paul McCartney, 60, ain't in the same musical league as was the extraordinary songwriter Cole Porter (1891-1964).

And Sir Paul isn't in the same social league, despite a knighthood, as was socialite and hedonist Cole Porter, a man born into wealth.

You've either got or you haven't got style, run the lyrics to a Cole Porter song. And isn't this the truth? - Alfred H Lister, Guisborough.

CANCER RESEARCH

I THOUGHT you would like to know that Cancer Research UK's Britain's Biggest All Day Breakfast 2002 was a roaring success.

Money is still pouring in from the event in March and Cancer Research UK is well on the way to raising more than £200,000.

I was delighted to be involved with Britain's Biggest All Day Breakfast for the fourth year running.

Yet again, thousands of people all over the country rose to the challenge and took part, holding breakfast parties in schools, offices and even slimming classes.

But the fun does not stop here. Plans are already in the pipeline for Britain's Biggest All Day Breakfast 2003. Watch out for more details nearer the time and take your place to help make cancer history. - Gaby Roslin, on behalf of Cancer Research UK.