In the week we remembered, with gratitude, the 'Few' Battle Of Britain pilots who gallantly defended our freedoms and democratic way of life, the country was paralysed by a few, unelected farmers and hauliers, who chose to pursue their self interests while disregarding those of others.

Not long ago farmers and hauliers in York and elsewhere were the victims of a few animal rights protesters who chose to disrupt the movement of animals.

We've witnessed the actions of a few GM crop saboteurs and regularly hear protestations about a few ramblers who choose to transgress.

The increasing number of uncaring, unelected minority groups, choosing to impose their will on the majority by questionable means, is disturbing. The growing number among us ready to cheer them on is even more worrying.

Once again our democratic way of life is being threatened. It must be cherished and defended. Elected governments must be allowed to govern. That includes raising and spending tax income as they see fit, whatever their politics.

David L Sumner,

The Corner House,

Hovingham, York

...Manning the barricades to lower the price of fuel was short-sighted and selfish.

At the South Pole there's a hole in the ozone layer four times the size of America.

There's a lake at the North Pole where there should be three metres of pack ice. Southern England experienced a month's rainfall in one night and finished up under 5ft of water and raw sewage. The list goes on.

Climate change is here. We certainly do need to man the barricades: but to get our Government to act on the climate problem while there is still time. When will we find politicians that think of the next generation and not just the next election?

Graham Horne

Beech Avenue,

Bishopthorpe,

York.

...WHATEVER our views on who to blame for the fuel crisis, there is one important lesson that we can learn: most of us can survive without our cars.

Children have walked to school, colleagues have teamed up to share journeys into work, many of us have dusted down our bicycles and others have taken the bus or train.

Now the crisis is coming to an end, if all of us resolved to make just one car journey less a day, this would go a long way towards easing congestion, preserving the environment and improving our health.

Rev Helen J Harrell,

Vesper Drive,

Acomb, York.

...In his appeal from Downing Street to the road hauliers and farmers to call off their protest, Tony Blair stated that "real damage is being done to real people".

Presumably the "unreal" people were not affected.

Richard Starks,

The Green,

Elvington, York.