Letter: Deliberative polling involves ordinary citizens in democratic process

Sir: I feel like giving up when a serious newspaper gives two pages to crime without noticing the greatest drop in offending and the reduction in the number of victims from the commonest serious offence.

Death is the worst consequence of crime. Homicide rose least since 1979. Drink-drive deaths fell by more than 50 per cent with no change in law, sentencing or enforcements.

Over-the-limit driving occasions must have fallen by 100 million a year. No newspaper, radio analysing programme or television documentary has given much attention. Young drivers improved most.

Are you serious?

Yours in extreme anger,

PETER BOTTOMLEY

MP for Eltham (Con)

House of Commons

London, SW1

9 May