Tory David Gold's promises on fuel tax (Opinion, October 28) reek of the short-termist populism which is a hallmark of the Conservative Party today.

As a teacher, I have seen over the last ten years the damage the relentless increase in car use has caused, with more and more children suffering from asthma. No one likes paying more in fuel tax, but the revenue goes towards improving schools, hospitals, police, social services and public transport. We only have to look at the mess the Tories left the railways in to see the extent of their commitment to our public transport.

No doubt Mr Gold will again be among those praising as fine upstanding citizens the bully boy farmers who threaten tanker drivers and their families if the fuel blockades return. Let's hope people can see beyond the pump prices and look at what kind of environment, democracy and society we want our children to inherit.

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