Let's hope New Labour will stand firm in its moral and philosophical stance and not give in to the bully-boy tactics of the Countryside Alliance, which wants to remain in the grim and dim past (Argus, September 27).

However, I, too, am disappointed in New Labour for dragging its feet on certain issues - for example, decent payments for pensioners and new legislation to stop the suffering of animals.

We voters should be careful we are not being used as pawns for others' political gain. As an animal-rights protester, with nothing to gain financially, wishing only for peace of mind and the desire to live in a country with decent moral standards, I am extremely worried by the mob rule element and intimidation meted out to our Government by the farmers and bloodsports enthusiasts. This could threaten our democracy.

-Elizabeth Taylor, High Salvington, West Sussex