WE now know that in New Labour's eyes the foreigners in the UK are the British.

After Jack Straw claiming "the baggage of the Empire" was behind racism and England's failure to develop a true sense of identity, we now have Robin Cook saying on the radio that the British do not exist as a race.

Surely this strengthens claims why we English should have political recognition with an English Parliament, free from the present control at Westminster of the 72 Scottish MPs.

While they have a major say in England's affairs, English MPs have no say in the Scottish parliament.

BRIAN HUNT, Worcester.