IN reply to Nina Cooper (Gazette, September 12), it could be argued that Labour is today's new model army with Blair as Lord Protector.

He is helping to protect the less affluent, and challenging the House of Lords' claim to rule by Divine Right.

We need a new deal for the countryside and those who work there, but it won't come from the Tories.

A regional parliament in Exeter will add to democracy and challenge the urban autocracy of Whitehall.

R PIERCE

Wedmore Avenue, Chippenham