SIR - Your editorial begins: "Much as we grumble about paying taxes, at least we know that our money is going to pay for services we can't do without". If only!

I have a challenge for the Worcester News - find out where our money goes and then see if you can honestly repeat the statement.

Most of our money doesn't touch the sides of Britain but flows out in a host of ways to finance the growth of America's secret empire. British taxpayers finance American foreign policy in Europe and across the globe. Only last week, Mr Blair was reassuring the Lebanese that Britain would help finance a reconstruction of their war-torn nation, while behind all the lies and evasions New Labour carries on flogging off British resources and sacking British people.

You won't find out how our money is spent - the facts are far too shameful for any politician to admit.

JIM EVANS, Worcester