WITH just a week left in the General Election campaign, it is perhaps worth reflecting on the many positive aspects of living in the UK for citizens and immigrants alike.

Firstly, this is still a free society, providing free healthcare, education and social services to all, regardless of age, wealth, race, rank, colour or creed.

Despite the recent allowances scandal, it is still governed, nationally and locally, by dedicated and professional people and corruption on a large-scale is not endemic.

Crime, though of concern, is not rampant, and we do not have to resort to burglar bars, razor wire, weapons, or private armed security guards to protect our homes and families.

Public utilities function well despite many being owned by foreign companies and the transport system, regardless of privatisation and Icelandic volcanoes, is reasonably efficient.

This is not, thankfully, a corrupt, one-party state, ruled by a remote, unelected, unaccountable, bigoted and outdated theocracy, but remains a Christian democracy, with a Christian monarch, and a predominantly Christian government – but please, God, don’t let the Conservatives win.

P Holmes, Barnard Castle, Co Durham.

ALTHOUGH Labour claims this election is about the future, perhaps we should reflect on how it has wasted public money over the past 13 years?

How much has been wasted building new schools and reducing class sizes with the outcome that students are now leaving too well qualified? Or money spent building, staffing and equipping new hospitals simply to eradicate waiting lists and increase life expectancy?

Due to worldwide increases in fuel costs, much has been spent on compensating pensioners through the winter fuel allowance and reducing bills through the Warm Front home insulation scheme.

Public funds have been wasted in attempts to increase the aspirations of the unemployed through the minimum wage, working tax credits and Sure Start.

The regional development agencies, such as One NorthEast, have been subsidising local businesses and propping up local employment.

A Conservative government will surely avoid such a waste of money, dramatically reducing the public sector wage bill.

Bill Suthers, Newton-under-Roseberry, near Guisborough.

NOT being a subscriber to Sky, I was unable to watch the second of the live TV debates between the three main party leaders, but tuned in to the radio coverage instead.

Opinion polls show that there was no clear winner, but I was impressed with the performance of Gordon Brown.

He gave a good explanation of government policy over a wide range of issues, but to secure economic recovery was the priority. Conservative plans to take £6bn out of the economy would be the wrong thing to do.

He also had good things to say about immigration, with skilled people only being allowed into our country.

As to the state pension, Mr Brown pointed out that from 2012 this would be linked to earnings.

The issues of the day are being adequately dealt with.

LD Wilson, Guisborough.