SIR – Was there ever anything more pathetic than the first TV appearance on Sunday of Baron Prescott since his ennoblement, when he pretended that going into the House of Lords is some great personal sacrifice, pro bono publico?

Even worse, though, was his apology for Labour losing the last election, which of course did not include any reference whatsoever to most people’s greatest concern, ie, immigration.

Neither, in his repeated denigration of the coalition, was there any comment about the serious budget deficit they inherited or the difficult measures needed to restore public finances to real health.

As for his aspiration to become Labour Party treasurer, I hope he succeeds because that, on top of the absence of any credible candidate for the party leadership, will guarantee Labour losing the next election as well.

D S Boyes, Rodley Lane, Leeds