First, that the best approach is one that involves the British and Irish governments working closely together. Second, that consideration should be given to other options and suggestions on the way forward as well as the British government's proposals. And third, that no option to take the process forward into all-party talks would proceed without the broad agreement of the Northern Ireland parties. These three crucial points have been consistently emphasised by Tony Blair and Mo Mowlam since the Mitchell report was published.It is clear that any attempt to try to compel the parties into one particular approach would fail. Agreement was and continues to be the only way forward.This has been at the heart of Labour's consistent approach. We have supported the two governments' joint approach to the Downing Street declaration and the Joint Framework Document because they embraced Labour's principles and included our policy of unity by consent as one of the options available.Labour's constructive support presents a united front against terrorism.

The opportunity still exists to bring about a stable and lasting settlement for Northern Ireland on the basis of agreement and consent. Labour cannot jeopardise that for the sake of easy party politics - and neither should the Government.Yours sincerely,Thomas McAvoyMP for Glasgow Rutherglen (Lab)House of CommonsLondon, SW1. From Mr Julian Hope Sir: Keith Cooper's alternative version of the BBC documentary series The House (21 February) was perhaps unnecessarily defensive. Cutting hundreds of hours of fly-on-the-wall reportage must have been a gigantic editing task, and the result was addictive entertainment for a non-specialist audience. Apparently the box office has benefited immensely, and hopefully these new audiences will not stop at Aida but will return for Matthew Hart and Tippett.In recent weeks, London has staged a massively popular Albert Hall Boheme and one of the finest Tristan and Isolde performances I have ever seen (ENO), not to mention rare Handel in Blackheath (packed) and a popular touring company at Sadler's Wells.Our national opera and dance companies are better managed on tighter budgets than most of the international competition, and I applaud The House for its contribution.Yours faithfully,Julian HopeLondon, SW10. From Mr Robert Montagu Sir: Why is it that every time British justice faces a new legal challenge on a moral issue, the High Court takes a protectionist stand? Is it because the judges prefer to leave all contentious decisions to the Court of Appeal or the House of Lords? The decision not to allow men who have become women to change gender under their birth certificates must eventually be challenged in the European courts; and once again Britain will be seen as the reactionary, intellectually and morally weak man of Europe.Yours sincerely,Robert MontaguEvershot, Dorset. From Mr D N Chesters Sir: While some of Anthony Clavane's article "How to spot a drug smuggler" (Section Two, 22 February) gives a very positive message about the work of customs officers in the fight against drugs, it is also open to misinterpretation. First, today we do not stop passengers at random; we work on intelligence, intuitive and structured risk assessments. Second, female officers do not ask male passengers to take off their clothes; searching of suspected passengers is a very formal procedure under the control of a senior officer.Officers do have a difficult job when it comes to passengers who have stuffed drugs into body orifices or swallowed them; control of these people under the procedures laid down in the Police and Criminal Evidence Act is neither the easiest or nicest of jobs,Officers get a tremendous amount of satisfaction when they stop drugs coming into the country.

We have a committed and professional staff who are in the forefront of protecting society.Yours faithfully,D N ChestersHead of External AffairsHM Customs and ExciseLondon, SE1. From Mr Adrian Turner Sir: I am puzzled as to why the railways have introduced flashing lights at level crossings to warn motorists that a train is approaching. Surely it makes sense to have ordinary traffic lights, as seen in every town and village in the country, which everybody understands If the lights show red, it means stop If they are green, it is safe to proceed. There is no ambiguity. Can somebody explain the thinking behind the three flashing lights, which appear to tempt motorists to cross before the barriers come down?Yours faithfully,Adrian TurnerReading. From Mr Richard Platt Sir: The Magnum Agency does the bikini an injustice in celebrating its 50th anniversary (Magazine, 23 February). A mosaic dating from the 3rd century AD on the wall of the Imperial Villa, Piazza Armerina, Sicily, shows a woman exercising in one.Yours sincerely,Richard PlattLondon, N11.