BLAIR MUST STAY: Regarding the Vox pop about whether Tony Blair should step down (News Shopper, May 17). Are you mad? Blair is the only person talking sense in Europe today and he's done an excellent job of changing the Labour Party's image and steering it on a more salutary course, both fiscally and regarding international policy. The idea he should cave in favour of that dour Scotsman or the preening Tories who are just New Labour wannabes, is ludicrous. Blair has taken hits for things which are not his fault, which is unfortunate. But he has worked like a slave for nine years to make the UK a stronger, fairer, more healthy country and I am proud of him for it.

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED

WHO'S NEXT?: Following Laura-Jane Filotrani's comment on the imminent war of the Labour succession (Shooting From The Lip, April 12), here's a little ditty, with acknowledgement to Jimmy Perry, which will be familiar to Dad's Army fans:

Mr Brown had settled down in his financial den.

But now he thinks it's time for him to move to Number 10.

Who do you think will be the next Prime Minister, when old Tony ends his run?

Who is the one who will win this little game?

Who is the one who will save our country's name?

So who do you think will be the next Prime Minister, when you see old Tony's done?

ROY DEAN

Bromley

NETWORK FACTS: Mr Dawson (Shut Down, News Shopper, April 12) is wrong about Bromley Refuge Network. Bromley Council's recycled Goverment grant was £30,000, not £80,000, and last year it was only £20,000. The "glum-looking people" were two of many volunteers. Its role was to help refugees and asylum seekers find homes, furniture, clothing, jobs and school places. Mr Dawson might recall similar comments to his being made when Jewish refugees came to this country from Nazi Germany before the Second World War.

CLLR CHRIS GASTER

Beckenham

ERIC FORTH MP: It is with deep regret and shock we heard of the death of Eric Forth, MP for Bromley and Chislehurst. Eric and I worked as part of a team of MPs who challenged Neil Kinnock and the Labour Party in the House of Commons in the 1980s. Eric's parliamentary knowledge and ready wit helped expose the absurdities of Labour policy at the time. I shall miss him as a friend. We send our condolences to Eric's wife Carroll.

COUNCILLOR NICHOLAS BENNETT JP