MR Andrew Thomas Nutt’s letter states “whose union gives millions of pounds to Labour every year?”.

Political levy paid by Trades Union members are totally voluntary. Every member is free to choose whether or not to contribute in this manner and for the said purpose. The same cannot be said for the contributions the majority of the public make to the Tory party via the CBI by contributing to the profits of the member companies. This is no less than compulsory. I would suggest that my chances of negotiating a reduction in the cost of my next purchase at a major company, on the basis that I do not want part of my payment to go to the Tories, would be somewhat less than a total failure. Two sides to every coin. It’s just that people need to look.

Nigel Pearce,