MRS W Kay (Letters, November 30) is incorrect, as is Tory Councillor D Pearson (Letters, November 27) in repeating that British people are "the highest taxed in Europe." Britain actually comes mid-way in the European taxation league.

Mrs Kay also forgets that when the Tories left office in 1997, the country was £28 billion in debt. Thanks to Labour's handling of the economy, the country's coffers are now in surplus.

After nearly four years of a Labour government we have also seen the lowest unemployment rates for 20 years, 1.1 million more people in work than in 1997, the lowest inflation rates for 30 years, reduced crime, inflation-busting increases for pensioners, big increases in funding for education and health, increased educational achievement and many people's taxation bills actually reducing.

Can anyone imagine the reaction of local Tories if I had predicted in 1997 that Labour would achieve this?

Maybe that's why Labour is 15 points ahead in the latest polls and the Tories remain unelectable.

COUNCILLOR DAVE SMITH (Sunnyhurst Ward), Avondale Road, Darwen.