SIR: Peter Thurnham, as most people will no doubt agree, has been a good Conservative MP and like most good Conservatives, Mr Thurnham's thoughts are predominantly turned towards himself.

Hasn't this been the doctrine of the Tories for the last 13 years or more?

They, with Mr Thurnham's help, have created a society of haves and have nots. Of fat cats and thin morals. Of high dividend and low pensions. An uncaring, almost uncivilised society, where only winners count.

This beggar thy neighbour, I'm all right Jack, selfish attitude, where the less fortunate are a burden and are robbed by muggers and penny pinching politicians alike, has been nurtured by the Tories and brought to perfection under Thatcher and Major.

Mr B Derbyshire

Ribchester Grove, Bolton.

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