INTERESTING and thought-provoking as ever, Julian Cole (The Press, November 27) raises two points which the observer from the other side of the spectrum cannot agree with.

Firstly, any MP or local councillor who defects to another party should immediately resign and stand for re-election in his new colours, no matter where in the political election cycle this occurs.

Constituents vote for a party, not the person. There may be a few only that cast a personal vote.

Secondly, quitting Europe, immigration, blaming big business and speaking up for the NHS are not issues that are neatly divided up between left and right.

Wanting a better, more efficient NHS with much more money being spent on it, but also selectively commissioning private hospitals to cut waiting list times, is not the preserve of the left, as they like to delude the public into believing.

Geoff Robb, Hunters Close, Dunnington, York.