Labour's eulogy

Brian Wilson (Opinion, 13 May) says the demise of the Labour government is a convenient cue for a "qualified eulogy". I think the eulogy should be further qualified.

He refers to the cold-hearted Tories and the throwing by Labour of "massive resources" at public services. He does not mention the increases in taxation imposed relentlessly by stealth on a surprisingly compliant population and the revenues raised from banks (whose bonus culture was very much in Gordon Brown's interest at that time and only later condemned in a blame-finding exercise for political reasons), all topped up by huge borrowings.

The recklessness of Mr Brown, contrasted with, in early years, his ironic espousal of "prudence", was truly a disaster and the wisdom of the unreformed "throwing" of money was even doubted by Tony Blair.

BRIAN COX

Minto Street

Edinburgh