Sir, The current widespread assessments of Mr Blair’s legacy are concentrating so much on his international activities that his shortcomings on the domestic front are being largely ignored.

May I seek to rectify this by mentioning just four areas in which he has had a severely adverse effect? First, his politicisation of the most senior ranks of the Civil Service has compromised their independence which, in the past, has been such a safeguard against ill-thought-out policies.

Secondly, his creation of numerical targets and league tables pits managers against professionals, particularly in the fields of education and health, and has lowered the esteem in which the professional classes should rightly be held.

Thirdly, his manifest contempt for the House of Commons and its prerogatives has led, in turn, to the public’s widely held cynicism of the political class.

And last, by justifying his many controversial actions by asserting that he did what he thought was the right thing, he personalises government in a way that is essentially antidemocratic.

It must be hoped earnestly that succeeding prime ministers will retrieve the principles of good governance, but, sadly, it will take a decade or two fully to succeed.

SIR BRYAN THWAITES, London W1

Sir, So Tony Blair rides off into the sunset with his red lines intact. Unfortunately for the rest of us, Mr Blair fails to realise that EU treaties are interpreted in practice by judges in the European Court. The court has quite clearly stated that European law is paramount. As such it is clear that within a short time Mr Blair’s red lines will be blurred and finally overturned in the cause of a greater Europe.

A referendum on this treaty, which is a European constitution in all but name, is vital to enable the public to express their support or otherwise.

It will be Mr Brown’s hot potato now and failure to recognise the overwhelming public concern about the developments will surely inflict long-term damage upon his administration.

Regrettably, I fear that Mr Blair’s legacy will include not only Iraq but also the incalculable damage to the UK by his surrender of our democracy and freedoms.

CLIFF REDMAN, Worthing, W Sussex

Sir, This is how I will remember Tony Blair.

On September 11, 2001, I was at the site of World Trade Centre. I witnessed the attack and events that followed. In the days afterwards I felt empty, shocked and frustrated. What I needed was support, guidance and leadership.

That came from the United Kingdom. On September 14, 2001, I watched Tony Blair on television addressing the House of Commons. I still remember the end of his speech: “The fanatics should know that we hold our beliefs every bit as strongly as they hold theirs, and now is the time to show it.”

I have tried to live by these words ever since.

ANTON KRYLOV, New York

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