I quite agree with P H Paine (February 1) that there does seem to be some memory loss surrounding the Tories' 18 years in power with some of the people in this country.

Perhaps I can help jog some of their memories for them: 3.5 million unemployed, 15 per cent interest rates, record bankruptcies, record repossessions, 18 years of under-investment in the fabric of our schools - not to mention the National Health Service.

Before you write off this Labour government, after just four years, give a thought of what 18 years of the Conservatives gave us. Is that what our country really deserves to go back to?

-D P Laycock, Seville Street, Brighton