It is welcome that following Michael Wills' resignation as junior minister he will be campaigning against the Common Agricultural Policy.

Socialists have always argued against this obscene racket that forces European consumers to pay over the odds for food while simultaneously impoverishing the world's poorest people.

Nevertheless I cannot help suspecting that his resignation is linked to Tony Blair's troubles. It is extraordinary that Wills now complains that New Labour is not achieving change fast enough.

I agree that New Labour has betrayed the hopes of its supporters, but Michael Wills has been part of the problem.

The Adver does a good job in reminding us that Michael Wills was personally involved with the decision that Labour would stick within Tory spending limits and not raise taxes on the rich.

Raising tax rates to say 60 per cent on people earning over £50,000 would allow us to properly fund our schools, hospitals and local authorities without putting up council tax or going cap in hand to private sector fat cats.

We shouldn't forget that Michael Wills was foisted onto a reluctant Swindon North Labour party. We also shouldn't forget that Michael Wills was an enthusiastic supporter of war on Iraq.

I wish Michael Wills every success in has campaigns against the Common Agricultural Policy, but the working people of Swindon need socialist MPs that will consistently fight to build a better world for ourselves and for our children.

Andy Newman

Secretary Swindon Socialist Alliance

Avenue Road