Politics

New Labour brought an end to traditional “class politics”, with little difference between the two main political parties – but the picture is changing.

Today, the Tories are calling for lower taxation with a preference for cuts in public services. In so doing, it is set to put the clocks back.

It would seem Labour, driven by the recession, has returned to its roots. The formula it has adopted is to increase public spending and ensure that essential services are not sacrificed while attempts are made to “kick-start” the economy and to create jobs.

My anxiety is that a disillusioned electorate will be drawn towards lower taxation, which the Tories will market as an opportunity for taxpayers to have more disposable income to spend.

I don’t believe in a “spend” approach just to protect or maintain services for the sake of it. But unless we stick to a spending commitment that protects the vulnerable, promotes opportunities for “work” and instils confidence, then we will have denied those who most need the chance and who depend upon a voice where thrift means further misery.

Bernie Walsh, Coxhoe, Durham.

AS this failed and discredited Government enters its dying days, dragging the entire population of the UK into the mire with it, I am amused at the way some HAS apologists still have the gall to stand up for those who have destroyed our economy, education, law and order systems, Armed Forces, so on and so forth.

The supreme optimist who will go into the polling booth next year still believing that Gordon Brown has been “not very lucky” and cast his vote for more of the same must be Hugh Pender (HAS, April 25).

If Mr Pender is content with the performance of his beloved Labour then good for him, but I expect that his judgement will be found to be restricted to a few left-wing fanatics and the ever-decreasing ranks of party members.

David Lacey, Durham.