I NEVER thought I would ever write to agree with columnist Julian Cole having read his "leftie" ramblings in his regular Thursday column. But on December 16 he wrote much sense and highlighted the humbug and hypocrisy surrounding the David Blunkett affair.

During the past weeks there has been far too much crassness and crocodile tears shed by New Labour and other politicians trying hard to defend their colleague and uphold the sleazy world of politics.

Julian Cole has made an excellent appraisal of the Blunkett saga, but he failed to mention that some of his initiatives made sense although one suspects that Blunkett produced too many ideas almost daily with little or no chance of them seeing the light of day.

However, his latest proposal to introduce ID cards must surely rate as being his worst political decision. This is a step too far, too costly and an example of state power, bureaucracy and an unjustified attempt to counter terrorism and crime.

What is needed are more police on the streets and a complete halt to all immigration into the country and to sort out the much abused legal/sentencing/appeal system.

David W Wright,

Little Lane,

Easingwold.

Updated: 11:08 Wednesday, December 22, 2004