Letter: Why not force them to vote?

Sir: Polly Toynbee's anger at the anger, indifference or plain stupidity of some young non-voters is welcome, if tardy. She suggests explanations: Thatcher, dumb-down yoof culture, patronising broadcasting. So what can we do?

In a hi-tech, multi-media, anything-goes society it is essential that all young minds are thoroughly trained in judgement, even before work skills are imparted. Preposterous as it may seem, we shall have to start making the compulsory teaching of philosophy - in some palatable and enthralling way - a prerequisite in all schools.

IAN FLINTOFF

London SW6