SIR - Andrew Clarke (T&A, January 10) is right on the money when he talks about all the parties competing for the middle ground.

This political consensus cannot be good for the people and is surely feeding the political apathy in Britain. When people say all parties are the same, they are not far wrong.

I share Mr Clarke's views that people are crying out for a return to traditional Conservatism. Unfortunately there is no Conservative' party; they have been replaced by a confused socialist green party. It really is very sad.

I implore the people to review the old party's policies; it is not the same party that their parents or their parents before them voted for. As long as people continue to vote in this way our country will continue to degenerate.

Jason Smith, UK Independence Party Bradford Chairman, Woodlands Avenue, Queensbury