COULD the Liberal Democrats elaborate a little more on their bringing 'democracy' to the North West, as mentioned in your article (LET, August 31)? I am all for 'democracy,' as it does not, in my opinion exist in the United Kingdom.

If democracy were possible, then people who hold views like mine could be elected to government.

However, the present 'constitutional monarchic government' effectively keeps out those who will not declare allegiance to the Queen. Of course, anyone who holds these views could stand for election, but they could not, if elected, take their seat in parliament. To do so is a denial of true democracy.

If we have democracy, then how come we have the House of Lords? In a democratic country all people would be equal, apart from those who have been elected to office to serve the people, by a majority of the people.

This would be a contrast to now, where we are governed by a party elected by a minority to govern on Her Majesty's behalf.

If we are democratic, then how come the Prime Minister chooses the Archbishop of Canterbury? This used to be the monarch's responsibility. The Anglican Church surely ought to be able to appoint its own.

Political reformation is needed now, and true democracy should be its aim. Government by the people for the people is required.

What we do not need are monarch, lords or bishops, to mete out, allegedly, on the people's behalf. The church will still need its bishops, but the Lords and the Queen are obsolete.

JOE BEARDSWORTH, Falcon Avenue, Darwen.