HOW appalling it is that the situation in this country calls for ID cards. The only debate that arises is whether the money for the purpose could be better spent differently.

If cards, then it is no use calling them "Entitlement Cards" (Non-Entitlement would be better!). The former sends out wrong signals. And this has been precisely part of the trouble in the past. For decades there has been a procession of "psalm-singers" at the Home Office (except Michael Howard, Conservative, who was just beginning to show positive results when his party were rejected in 1997).

What we see today, however, is the culmination of following too much the progressive and liberalising theories of the left -- the cranks and crackpots with their mistaken philosophies, anti-elitism and class warfare. Add to this the destruction of grammar schools by Labour in the Sixties with its devastating effect on standards, discipline and traditions. And what is the bottom line of all this madness and folly? Quite simply: less happiness.

As for civil rights, liberty etc -- these are of immense importance, of course. However, the brigade purporting to defend them should realise that sacrifices will be necessary in the meanwhile if ever the real England is to re-emerge.

T L Entwisle, St Annes on Sea (address supplied).