BLAMING Margaret Thatcher for the breakdown in discipline and creating today's yobs, when this has been perpetuated over the past 50 years by do-gooders of a mainly leftwing persuasion, is equalled only by blaming her for blighting the 1980s (HAS, Sept 15) without acknowledging the disastrous state the previous government and unions had created, just about wrecking the country.

The miracle cure for this of farseeing reforms was extremely painful, but is seen by financial experts as the reason why Britain is now one of the best performing Western economies.

It is shameful of New Labour to claim so much credit for a well run economy, when it has been fortunate to enjoy this golden legacy and a unique period of benign worldwide inflation.

Gordon Brown must some take responsibility for people facing harsher financial circumstances. He has used cheap credit to boost consumer demand, resulting in unprecedented debt, misguidedly poured cash into public services which even his own advisor admits has been largely wasted, and overseen a housing disaster whereby it is nigh impossible to get on the housing ladder.

Surely it is time to look at the whole picture and give credit to Mrs Thatcher as Mr Brown now frequently does.

John Heslop, Gainford, near Darlington.

I WASN'T surprised to see Gordon Brown invite Margaret Thatcher to Downing Street recently. I remember Tony Blair also inviting her round for tea after the Labour Party 1997 General Election victory.

Some commentators have suggested it was a political stunt by Mr Brown. I think it's a massive insult to the Labour and trade union movement. I would like to remind the Prime Minister of the misery Mrs Thatcher and her Tory Party caused during her time in power.

Between 1979-90 unemployment doubled. There were two recessions.

Bankruptcies were up 400 per cent.

She took £13 a week off pensioners.

Miners and their families lost their livelihoods and unions were smashed. Workers' rights were degraded and the vulnerable had no protection.

The old Labour Party was built on socialism. However, since the 1997 election we have seen an incredible shift towards right-wing Tory policies. I only wish the Labour Party had more people like Tony Benn in the Cabinet.

Alan Mason, Shildon, Co Durham.