He then proceeded to trivialise the debate over the 42 days detention issue by clearly implying the Government, and/or the the opinion pollsters were dishonest in the wording of the question used to elicit the public's views on the matter. He then "helpfully" provided a form of words which would have shown public opinion to be what he and his party wished it to be.

Both he, and the Peterborough electorate to whom he addresses his column, know very well that the critical question asked by those seeking our opinion on this matter was not framed in either of these ludicrous ways.

The question actually asked was couched in words similar to the following: "In view of the threat of terrorism which exists in the UK today, and provided Parliament ensures clear safeguards to accompany a change in the current arrangements, are you in favour of extending the period of detention to 42 days?"

As a result of the question being presented in this way, a majority of people reluctantly favoured the extension to 42 days.

Like many politicians, when in a corner, Mr Jackson resorted to quoting Winston Churchill. Perhaps he is also aware of other words spoken by this great leader. He said: "What is our aim? It is victory, victory at all costs".

It would appear that our MP wishes for that over this issue, and in so doing, insults the intelligence of his constituents.
JOHN SHEARMAN
Alma Road,
Peterborough



Never mind the politics, do your bit
I WRITE in response to Derek Norman's letter about post office closures (ET, June 10). Unfortunately, Mr Norman has his facts wrong on two counts.

Firstly, he suggests that the EU is responsible for the closure programme, as a result of directives requiring liberalisation of the postal market. This is not the case. The directives relate to the Royal Mail and its postal collection and delivery services rather than the wholly owned subsidiary Post Office Limited, which is not subject to competition. It was the Government's decision of last year, wholly independent of the European Union, that 2,500 post offices must close to stem losses which initiated the latest round of closures.

The problem is that the Government has failed to explore other ways to bring new business to post offices, for example by freeing them up to offer new services (including more financial services) to work with carriers other than the Royal Mail and to be a hub for central and local government services. This would have enabled many more post offices to survive on the strength of their business rather than having to rely on subsidies. Sadly, the Government has preferred to manage a decline of the Post Office, which has led to the need to have the latest round of closures. Secondly, he implies that it is futile to campaign to save our local branches. Once again, he is wrong.