News (Citizen 24/03/04) that the Cheltenham and Gloucester (C & G) are to create jobs in India is in line with Government policy. Blair backs the export of call-centre jobs to India. But shipping British jobs overseas isn't progress. It is not the way towards a progressive government. The export of call centre jobs might put a little extra in the pockets of a few executives and multinational conglomerates, but for the working people of Britain, it is another slap in the face from a government that, yet again, doesn't care. Labour is losing its union support for a reason. As Bob Crow, RMT union leader said at the recent Green Party conference: "For years we have given money to a Labour Party that has done nothing but mug working people." Blair even says Labour's policies are 'more naturally associated with right-wing politics.' With each passing speech and policy initiative, Blair looks more to be leading the 'New Conservatives.' Blair should take heed. The 'resurgent voices of protectionism' he's trying to defeat are the very workers whom globalisation will leave jobless. Real progress lies in strong local economies, not in stilted, unfair, global trade.

Dilly Eeles, Gloucestershire Green Party