Letter: Labour MPs owe duty of discipline

Sir: It is entirely sensible that Labour MPs should be expected to display the qualities of solidarity and co-operation that the Labour movement was founded on ("Discipline code for Labour MPs", 5 December).

Labour MPs are not freelance operators, in the House because of their individual brilliance and flair. They are there because of the hard work of party workers who do not seek the glories of elected office and have had the responsibility of "not bringing the party into disrepute" for years.

Is Ken Livingstone really suggesting that he should be allowed to bring Labour into disrepute?

PAUL RICHARDS

London W6

The writer is Labour's prospective parliamentary candidate for Billericay