Three cheers for Mr Bramson (Guardian, July 22).

I find myself absolutely in agreement with him over New Labour. It is further to the right than the Tories.

It continues Tory policies, especially with regard to wages and salaries and in many respects there is no discernible difference.

Of course the Tories would like the loaves and fishes of office, although at the moment that seems a remote possibility.

In spite of the concessions made by Mr Brown, based on a gamble on future revenues, he might come unstuck (although heaven forbid) if the hurricane sweeping through the Far Eastern economics hits the West.

It is high time the very wealthy paid their fair share of taxes. Just one instance and there are many more.

If Gordon Brown returned tax on profits to the same level achieved by Nigel Lawson in the late 1980s the government would collect £11.3 billion a year, every year.

What is more, tax evasion of the large transnationals and wealthy individuals must amount to billions. Such revenues would help finance education, health, social services and other national needs.

CHRIS COLE

Briar Road

Norbury

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