This divided Labour Government has hit the rocks in record time
Equally disturbing, however, is the hypocrisy of so many of his rebel MPs. They supported their party's election manifesto but then back-tracked.
It is clear that the areas most in need of radical overhaul are welfare and the NHS. I don't know which political party has the courage to make the changes necessary, but it certainly isn't Labour.
David S Ainsworth
Denton, Lancashire
SIR – You note that some Labour MPs have majorities smaller than the number of personal independence payment recipients in their constituencies, and therefore feared the consequences of voting for the Government's welfare reforms.
This is a problem for any party that seeks to govern for 'its' people rather than 'the' people. It has been fairly noted that the Tories painted themselves into a similar corner with pensioners.
While many of us hanker for a government of, for and by the people, we might be willing to accept one that seeks the votes of those who recognise the importance of productivity and efficiency, economic growth to benefit all, the private sector and the revenues it produces for the country, and the effect of incentives on behaviour. That is not our current Government.
Jonnie Bradshaw
Warborough, Oxfordshire
SIR – As a disabled person, I applaud MPs who have been rebelling against the Government's proposed cuts.
Not only does the Bill seek to penalise disabled people, but it is also at odds with the Government's 'get Britain working' narrative. I am one of the many who use personal independence payments to manage my health so that I can remain in employment. Cutting welfare won't push people into work – it will push them into poverty. The Government's own figures have shown how many people could be worse off under its proposals, when the disabled community already faces significant challenges.
Steven Morris
London N1
SIR – Labour may now conclude that re-election is unlikely.
I wonder, then, if it could devote its next four years to taking long-term decisions on tax, defence and health, rather than worrying about its popularity.
Tom Trudgian
Rock, Cornwall
SIR – Has Britain's economy ever been left in better condition after a Labour administration?
Charles Cairns
Reading, Berkshire
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