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LettersDemonisedbankers,immigrationandmaiden speeches are among the issues tackled in your letters this month

Letter of the month wins a copy of Andrew Rawnsley’s TheEndoftheParty

Do Politicians

Demonised bankers Angela Knight writes in defence of the banks (Do Politicians Understand the City? TP, June) as if there was no justification for public disgust with their behaviour during the banking crisis. She does not acknowledge, or own up to the fact, that the non-high street banking sector was actively engaged in fostering an unsustainable boom, whether or not they asked for UK government for a bail out. There is no recognition that it was OUR money they were speculating with, not ‘theirs’. She complains the banks are “demonised”. Yes, many are, and for good reasons.

The public does not want its money, or its pensions and savings put at risk by traders who have no public interest at heart but their own bonus schemes and performance targets.

She argues the banking sector has said it is sorry so let’s not talk it down. But the banks must not be allowed by special pleading to get away so easily. We urgently need a reformed, and an ethical, banking system in the UK. Is attracting overseas business more important than ethics, honesty, service and accountability? Hardly the new politics. Bob Colenutt Oxford

Maiden speech I made the near fatal mistake of ignoring the convention that the rules of the House are as the letter of the law and never to be transgressed (A House of Many Virgins, TP, June).

Having swiftly ascertained that all matters of interest occurred in close proximity to but away from the Ealing North constituency, I simply gave up and listed all those marvels that occurred with sight of the constituency boundary but outside the glorious close proximity to but away from the Ealing North constituency, I simply gave up and listed all those marvels that occurred with sight of the constituency boundary but outside the glorious wonderland that is Ealing North. I made no friends as a result of this honesty and learned that, whilst the House will hold a hypocrite close to its breast, it will cast out those who dare to utter the uncomfortable truth. Would I do it again? Of course! Stephen Pound Labour MP for Ealing North

Career politicians Byron Criddle’s article (TP, June) makes for interesting reading about the employment background of the new Parliament. It’s notable that such a high number – over 50 per cent – of Labour MPs are now drawn from backgrounds such as academia, social work, managerial positions in the public sector, trade unions, and, most notably, their own parties.

It’s also notable that few Labour MPs are former manual workers – only nine per cent – and it’s not hard to see why the party once of and for the working classes has transformed into the party of and for public sector workers and people who’ve never had a job outside politics and quasi-politics. It’s also notable that Tories draw less than half, but still a large number, of their MPs from business backgrounds, including banking – and want an enterprisedriven recovery from this recession.

On both counts, it goes to show that MPs’ previous occupations do mean something when it comes to policy. Matthew Barrett Blogs at WorkingClassTory.com

Making the top 50 I’m pleased to be featured in your Top 50 MPs to Watch (TP, June). This is indeed an interesting time to be involved in UK politics and I am very much looking forward to being part of an effective opposition that holds the coalition government to account.

This new government must not take the economic recovery which began under Labour for granted. Of course, tough decisions will be taken – but they must also be fair decisions. I intend to fight to prevent unfairness as this government undertakes its programme of cost-cutting measures.

I will stand up for public services, for jobs and for business. I look forward to working with Total Politics magazine as I pursue this agenda with my Labour colleagues. Anas Sarwar Labour MP for Glasgow Central

Caption competition

Total Politics is giving one lucky reader the chance to win a pair of tickets to see the play Welcometo Thebes National Theatre, Southbank London. Winning tickets are valid for Monday to Friday evening performances until 6 August, subject to see the play Welcometo Thebes at the National Theatre, Southbank London. Winning tickets are valid for Monday to Friday evening performances until 6 August, subject to availability.

How to enter Simply email your caption to competition@totalpolitics. com with your name and address before 09/07/2010.

Entries submitted after the closing date will not count.

Last month’s winner “Sorry sir, we don’t take CVs here. Either apply online or ask at the customer service desk.” Rayman Bains

A pair of tickets to see Enron are on their way to you.

4 | Total Politics | July 2010