Letter: Blair's public spirit

Sir: Three hearty cheers to John Prescott for reminding Tony Blair of the value of the public sector and those who work in it ("Prescott strikes back at Blair", 8 July). The vast majority of Labour members and its true supporters will agree with him. Let us also remember today's state pensioners who, during a lifetime of work, many from the age of 14, willingly paid their taxes and National Insurance contributions to set up and run the NHS, to set up the Welfare State and to provide free education for all, including those now sitting in Parliament. This generation is now excluded from a share of the nation's prosperity and subjected to increasing means testing while seeing the value of their pension diminish year on year.

Carry on, John, and keep reminding Blair that there is a general election looming.

PEGGY FULLER

CLIFF FULLER

Gloucester