IN response to Steve Shields’ letter about his support for socialism (HAS, Jan 3). He attacks capitalism but nowhere does he mention that socialism has always betrayed the working classes. It gives absolute power to small pseudo intellectual elites who then pretend to govern for the people.

Socialism is a sanctimonious godless religion. It spawns the righteous tyrant.

Winston Churchill once said: “A socialist is a fascist pretending to be nice.” How true.

Mr Shields may want to keep flying the red flag. He will be the last one.

David Ward, Richmond.