Paul Mason says “we need a Labour party united and ready to govern” (G2, 22 March) and one prepared to “compromise with one’s own principles”. Such pragmatism has won political success for both New Labour and for compassionate conservatism. If Labour genuinely wishes to form an alternative government soon, surely the time is right for a new Lib-Lab pact.
Despite a meltdown at the last election the Liberals are still formidable campaigners, particularly within the shires and Labour’s “southern discomfort” zone. Labour has a well-shared history with liberalism. As does the Co-operative party – our sister party – whose distinct aims and values have more in common with the cooperative and mutual principles embedded in the Liberals’ constitutional preamble, than in Labour’s clause IV.
Mike Allott
Chandler’s Ford, Hampshire
• These children’s games merely serve to distract attention from the utter chaos that is today’s Tory party and increase the chances of a Labour split gifting another 15 years in office to this disgraceful crew, just as the split in 1981 did far more damage in the 1983 election than the Falklands factor and the “suicide note” manifesto put together. Ordinary Labour party members, faced with local elections in a few weeks’ time, are in despair at the antics of those from all wings of the parliamentary party who need to drop the ego-tripping and grow up.
Roy Boffy
Walsall
• Oh, come on! Anonymous leaked letter purports to reveal hierarchy of Labour MPs with joke titles. And on the day that Cameron should be writhing over budget meltdown, resignations, internal divisions and the EU (Corbyn denies his office listed ‘hostile’ and ‘core’ Labour MPs, 24 March). If that’s not a dead cat, I don’t know what is!
Neil Denby
Denby Dale, West Yorkshire
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