THE present political situation within the UK and particularly England cannot be sustained.

We are governed by a self satisfied political elite, who having assured themselves that they are rarely answerable to their electorate, feels assured of a comfortable, well-rewarded and relatively secure career.

This situation has in turn led to voter apathy. Socially this state of affairs is combustible and cannot be allowed to continue.

There has been much debate about changing the method of voting to ensure a fairer representation of the political parties, but this would seem to be a means of changing faces rather than the radical reform we require.

A much more effective reform would be legislation which would ensure that MPs stand for election annually.

At a stroke public involvement would be increased and our representatives would feel some obligation to consider the opinions of those whom they represent.

In the long term this reform could also lead MPs to disregard the rigid party discipline that often governs their parliamentary vote and perhaps begin to break the unhealthy hold that the party whips exert over the Houses of Parliament.

It would be wise for our representatives to consider reform before such changes are enforced by other means.

The rise of fringe parties such as the BNP is warning enough.

V J Connor, Bishop Auckland.