I watched tonight's debate in the House Of Commons on the amendments to the Immigration Bill.

At one stage, Her Majesty's opposition comprised their spokesman and one other.

We can all have cheap laughs at the expense of today's Tory Party but there is a real danger for our democracy if the Government is not critically challenged, not only on this important issue but many others.

For the opposition spokesman to rise and remark cynically his congratulations on support from his own bench is a disaster.

If the Tory Party is to die, so be it. However, we do need an effective opposition to sustain our democracy. Blair must not be given free reign.

Where were our local MPs when an important national issue was being discussed? Have they given up? If so, Sussex must give up on them.

-Richard Tassell, Buckhurst Close, East Grinstead