Congratulations to Norman Baker MP on being the first to say "Bah humbug" (The Argus, November 5).

It's a little premature to start being Scrooge with Christmas so far away but he seems to have got into the spirit of knocking our shop-keepers early which is a real shame from someone who should be supporting them.

Mr Baker really should get into the Christmas spirit.

Most traders rely on the Christmas period for their best trading of the year.

They are trying to earn a living and attract customers. What is wrong with that?

-Mike Weatherley, founding chairman, Lewes Constituency Conservative Business Club