In reply to Alan Fowler (Letters, May 26), I too remember the 18 years of Tory misrule. That is why I became a Labour Party activist.

Like thousands of my colleagues who have also walked away in disgust, I learnt the hard way the difference between Labour and the Tory Party. At least with the Tories you know where you stand. If Margaret Thatcher said she was going to do something, she did it. Labour promises the earth and delivers nothing.

How many council houses have been built since Labour came into office? The reason why Labour has stayed in office for so long is because there was no effective opposition. Also, Tony Blair was an absolute genius at public speaking. No matter how hostile the audience, he could always turn it round.

At the next election there are going to be more than 100 bewildered and unemployed Labour MPs.

The Labour Party refuse to listen to or understand the aspirations of ordinary British people. Sorting out problems in our country is more important than being involved in world affairs. Rather than spend billions sorting out problems in Iraq or Afghanistan, we would rather see a few more police on our own streets. Lowering council tax would be more useful than giving £35 billion a year to the European Parliament.

Labour has had its chance and blown it. The question is, will the Tories be any better?

  • Stuart Bower, UKIP parliamentary candidate for Hove