LETTER:Comic relief: a sick joke

From Mr Rodney Hedley

Sir: Tony Blair's Islington, in the top 10 of charity givers, and Dennis Skinner's Bolsover, in the bottom 10 (report, 17 March), perhaps hints at something about where new Labour is departing from "old" in planning a future welfare state.

Mr Blair's long version of Clause I, now includes a clear reference to charities. Labour should look to full employment and progressive taxation, not flag days, however "fun" they are, to fund the services we all need.

Yours etc,

RODNEY HEDLEY