Interesting to see that the Tory Party’s latest “front man” Danny Alexander has quickly achieved that long-held Tory failing of not knowing the difference between consultation and the imparting of information.

As an ex-professional negotiator, can I begin his first lesson in the art of negotiating by informing him of a procedure that might give him some chance of making progress with individuals with wide experience of real negotiations.

1. Sit around a table and start the day by appreciating all the problems that face both sides.

2 Listen carefully to both sides of the argument.

3. As the days progress, both sides look to where concessions can be made. Offer concessions on a pro-rata basis, so that at the end of lengthy negotiations, both sides gain advantages and both sides have to concede some points.

In the middle of negotiations, do not inform the media and the opposition of the results by making silly statements like “this is the best/only offer the trade unions will get.”

This could result in them questioning the validity of wasting their valuable time in negotiating when final decisions have already been made. Who knows, it might even result in peaceful law abiding public servants deciding to take some form of protest action.

Liz Edge, Parkside Close, York.