I was shocked and appalled by Jack Straw’s claims that none of us are English.

Sorry, Mr Straw, but I was born and bred in Blackburn, England, as was my wife. I spent 12 years in the armed forces serving my country.

I have three children all in employment, and eight grandchildren, all English and proud of it.

I am not a supporter of the EDL or BNP, just a normal person who is proud of his roots and a defender of my country.

The problem with our politicians is that they don’t live in the real world, a world where people suffer hardships because of low wages and high taxes.

If you want to be a politician for a town, city or village, then you should live there in order to have your finger on the pulse of issues and problems.

Name and address supplied.