SO J Holden (Letters, August 3), is surprised that I should criticise New Labour.

Many people can verify that I have spent a lifetime fighting for the underdog in a number of organisations (a do-gooder if you like).

I joined the Labour Party because of its concern for the needy and deserving, although I had four uncles who were councillors in the other two main parties.

Back then the socialist policy was to fight mankind's two biggest enemies -- capitalism and xenophobia.

In 65 years as a party member, I have never agreed with all aspects of its policy.

When I was younger, policy was made by the members and arguments, and discussion, were encouraged. Now it seems that what is demanded is blind loyalty.

I see Mr Holden has swallowed the propaganda that 'the Labour Party was unelectable during the 18 years of the Thatcher Government'.

They were not elected because, like him, the electorate swallowed the daily propaganda and lies that the main daily papers printed and continue to print.

The Conservatives with that help won the election, but many now regret supporting Thatcherism during that period. It will take another 20 years to recover from the damage done to the country by the evils of Thatcherism, especially as some aspects of it seem to be followed by New Labour.

I agree with him that the Government has done many good things since elected, but the fact remains that the people who have benefited most are the growing numbers of millionaires, followed by middle-England.

Many have not done as well. For example, the standard of living for pensioners has continued to deteriorate. The 'tent' is too big to hold us all.

He attacked Old Labour, but I ask him to consider the Atlee Government for example.

In three years the country recovered from the war years -- new housing, new health service, new schools, freedom for the Empire, nationalisation of failing services etc, etc.

In those days, of course, policy was decided by party members and Atlee gave his ministers the power to carry it out, while he stood aside. Now, policy is decided by the chosen few with Blair keeping hold of all the strings.

Dictatorship has failed in many counties and we do not want it here. New Labour suffers from centralisation, spin, twisted statistics worship, control freakery, anxiety to please the gutter press, worry about future elections, etc.

However, New Labour still remains head and shoulders above all other parties, but it is time to recognise our recent errors and move on. Drop the 'New'.

George K Brown

Barncroft Road

Farnworth