SIR - Alex Suchi (|T&A letters, June 4), thinks I am unduly pessimistic about Labour’s chances of winning future general elections without a good poll in Scotland: they have won most English seats in the past.

I still don’t give much for their chances, given the number of political parties around today and their reputation for lack of competency.

The Tories have tended to win more than have Labour and socialism is less popular than it once was.

Would I be unpessimistic if Labour won? No. They would be just as illegitimate as the present government unless they miraculously won more than fifty percent of votes cast.

I don’t think that will happen.

I remain pessimistic about the future of the UK and the prospects for democracy.

Hell, here we come!

John Hall, Pennithorne Avenue, Baildon