REGARDING Ken J Ratcliffe's letter (You Say, April 24) headlined "Let us be proud of our Government."

It is obvious that Mr Ratcliffe is a supporter of New Labour and he has a very short memory.

As I recall, Labour was elected on the promise to keep taxes at the same level as that promised by the Tories for the next four years.

The fact is that taxes have increased by a least 10p in the pound by stealth - this has been brought about by inventing new taxes. They have also removed the married man's allowance.

I recall their slogan "education, education, education". Teachers' morale has never been so low.

They are stressed and leaving the profession in droves. Class sizes have increased.

They have failed on transport. Hospitals have never been so dirty, or overcrowded, or waiting lists so long.

They have made promises on crime but many pensioners are frightened to walk the streets at night.

Rural areas have no police protection at all and they have failed to control asylum-seekers.

In truth, they have no idea on government or the practicality of governing, hence the Millennium Dome fiasco.

And we now have Robin Cook, a Scotsman, telling the English they do not exist.

I hope he constituents remember this when he is looking for re-election.

J COLLINS,

Worcester.