REPEATEDLY, through the press and by other available means, I have tried to warn about the relentless loss of democracy in our country under New Labour.

Since Blair's election in 1997 so many changes have been made in the name of democracy when in actual fact they are a further erosion of our rights.

For example, most town halls have changed to an executive style leadership, which in effect excludes most councillors from the day-to-day decisions they were elected by us to make.

Next year sees benefit claimants losing their privacy via their bank accounts, which will be accessible by "officials".

Let us not forget that all e-mails can now be accessed by the security services thanks to a recent legislation change.

However, all the changes pale into insignificance when David Blunkett, without warning, told Parliament he wanted to raise the idea of a national "entitlement card", which would determine the bearer's right of access to the NHS, education and state benefits.

Would this mean that if someone had a life-threatening condition, treatment would be refused until they could prove their entitlement by means of producing this card?

Blunkett told MPs he had received 600 letters about identity cards since September 11. Could this be an indication that the real reason for introduction would be racially based?

It is very interesting to note that the Home Office said the cards would help prevent social security fraud, income tax evasion, working by illegal immigrants and other offences.

Now most of us would not disagree that these areas should be tackled but it is crucial that we also consider what they have not said.

Just what are these other offences? Not voting New Labour? Being outspoken against the Government? Walking on the cracks in the pavement?

I would urge everyone to oppose the introduction. Write to your MP, write to Blunkett or Blair, and write to you local press. Please do not accept this proposal as inevitable.

John Finlay, Faringdon Avenue, Blackpool.