DESPITE the words of local Tories about standing at the shoulders of the Government in the fight against terrorism, we see their unelected cronies in the Lords threatening to destroy the Government's vital anti-terrorism legislation.

They argue that it is too wide-ranging and covers drugs and other legal activities. How else do they think terrorists raise money? Car boot sales?

In the aftermath of September 11 atrocities, Tories were all too happy to portray themselves as tough on terrorists. However, when push comes to shove and they are asked to help push through the Government's much needed legislation they resort to petty party politics --helped by their natural majority in the unelected Lords and weak liberals who have been telling us military action would not defeat terrorism.

How wrong they are to do this.

DENNIS TROTTER, Oxford Close, Blackburn.