Letter: Things are better in Sweden

ELIZABETH NASH is disheartened by the success of our northern European neighbours in a recent quality of life survey (Flat Earth, 2 January). The results are as objective as it is possible to be and reflect a nation's ability to organise and pay for the services a population considers necessary for civilised living.

Scandinavians reject the 'queue and die' system operating in the corridors of our hospitals. The last year has shown yet more evidence of the growing gap between this country and its neighbours in terms of living standards. Only the arrogant and chauvinistic deny the obvious.

As emigration of those most able to halt the rot (not journalists) continues to rise, I await the results of next year's survey with trepidation.

John Bennett

London E2