PAUL Rivers seems to be dismayed by the thought that if the Conservatives win the next General Election we in the North-East will be ruled by a party for which we have not, by and large, voted (HAS, May 7). But, surely this is the current situation in the South of England.

And, to make matters worse, we in England have had measures forced upon us, against the views of English MPs, through the votes of Scottish and Welsh members.

Perhaps Mr Rivers would prefer a one-party state, rather than our present elective dictatorship.

Peter Elliott, Eaglescliffe.