WHAT a shambles this present Government is. How can we be expected to take seriously anyone who lied to get our support to invade Iraq, or anyone who tells us that crime is on the decrease or inflation is running at three per cent?

Sorry, but I have started to question anything this Government says or does.

The prices of basic things are now going through almost weekly increases. Gas, electricity, council tax, food. And I haven't forgotten the escalating price of fuel. Yes, that's right, the one where every time there is a price increase the Government creams off more tax.

A country that is actively breeding benefit scroungers, ferral criminals and killers - who when they are brought to book are imprisoned for only half the prescribed time, have access to gyms, televisions, PCs and games consoles while having to be addressed as "Mr" - is in serious danger of meltdown.

As a result of this Government's policies there is a danger that more people will be taking from the system than those paying taxes into it. Then who will fill the financial troughs our MPs are constantly emptying with their greedy snouts?

David Waring, Brompton, Northallerton, North Yorkshire.