I REPLY to Ralph Leavis’ letter regards me “trying to make Mike Philpott a martyr”.

I wrote: “When Mike Philpott set fire to his house tragically killing six kids, the nasty Tories blamed the welfare system.”

The coalition was my target and I certainly wasn’t aiming martyrdom at them.

Still, I thank Mr Leavis for the opportunity to debate the nasty party, he’s in good company.

On his remark “banging the drum against Israel”, again I’m happy to debate any issue regarding illegal occupation, oppression and a country that constantly breaks international and UN law. So, let’s start the debate by saying most arguments probably have a middle line but the Israel/Palestine issue lies almost entirely on the Palestinian side.

That’s another quote, not by me actually and I’ll gladly reveal the author, it may surprise some. My opinions aren’t universally popular but I will continue to bring to people’s attention any policy I feel unfair or improper that affects ordinary people.

TIM SIRET Millmoor Crescent Eynsham