IN REPLY to Mr Walker-Lyne (Letters, February 21), I would remind him that the deficit has been reduced by about 60 per cent under this Coalition Government, and a further reduction is needed.

Mr Walker-Lyne and the Labour Party seem to have learned nothing in opposition, and are still in denial about their part in leaving this Government with a deficit unheard of before.

The banks have certainly played their part, but that was compounded by massive irresponsible borrowing by the Labour Government.

Austerity policies mentioned by Mr Walker-Lyne means that people should live within their means, and not portray the picture that everybody is living the way Eastern European countries did 50 years ago – that was austerity.

Perhaps Mr Walker-Lyne can tell us all how a Labour Government is going to reverse all the cuts made by the present Government, and still reduce the deficit, and please don’t say tax the rich, or all the Labour front bench will run for cover.

The rich will always get rich, whatever government is in power.

Tony Blair knows all about that.

Keith Thornton, De Grey Place Bishopthorpe, York.