Letter: Most of us want higher taxes

You argue that Tony Blair's strategy of politics of the centre deserves to be taken seriously ("Maybe Labour really means it", 20 April). Indeed it does, particularly because it is an extension of the idea of trying to make Labour the natural party of government that Harold Wilson pushed in the 1960s. There is only one problem, demonstrated by the Essex firefighters' dispute. Everyone can agree that cutting firefighters' jobs puts lives at risk. However, the problem then arises as to where the money is to be found to stop the cuts. To hold the centre you need the votes of a substantial section of right-wing voters. They, however, are unlikely to support the idea of taxing the rich, even if it is for a reasonable purpose.

This dilemma is likely to run and run after 1 May, with Mr Blair in No 10.

Keith Davies

Cardiff