NOW that Christmas is over and a New Year has begun, is it too much to hope that Labour politicians such as County Councillor Dan Wicksteed will resolve to be more sensible in their attitude to religious faith from now on?

It probably is too much to hope because they are so convinced of their own enlightenment and correct thinking and they also, of course, toe the party line set by their self-righteous national leaders who constantly treat the British public as insensitive idiots who have to be told how to behave towards their fellow citizens of a different race or faith.

Worcester's Mayor, Councillor Allah Ditta, on the other hand, sets an admirable example of sanity and common sense, practising his own faith while acknowledging that his adopted country has other faiths and, in particular,

Christianity, which is still nominally, at least, the national religion.

When will some Labour politicians grow out of their post-colonial guilt or whatever it is that fills them with their multicultural piety, a piety that blinds them to rational thought and balanced judgement?

Labour's orthodoxy, so slavishly adopted by its acolytes, has potential for antagonising even the most moderate citizens who have normal decent instincts towards their neighbours of whatever colour or creed but who are tired of being lectured and patronised by nannying politicians of whom the best that can be said is that they are well-meaning.

ERIC H JONES,

Guarlford, Malvern.