Letter: The basics that we should get back to

Sir: People who live and work in urban areas will be relieved that senior government ministers have now told us what the 'back to basics' campaign is really about. It is about 'civic values' and about the 'core business' of government.

We can go about our work knowing that basic issues will be dealt with in our cities. There will be equal access to health, irrespective of whether you have a large or small bank balance. There will be equal access to quality education, whether you live in a leafy suburb or on an estate with high-rise flats. There will be equal access to a home, whether you can afford to buy or need to rent. There will be an end to fear for poor, disabled and elderly people because heating and light will still be available to them without tax surcharges.

And when all these basic things happen, the Government may be surprised to discover that most people could not care less who bonks with whom so long as it is done by mutual consent, safely and with everyone getting some fun from it.

Yours sincerely,

JOHN MATTHEWS

London, SW9