Letter: Not everyonr backs Blair

Sir: You report (front page, 15 June) that 'CBI backs Blair in Labour race'. The Confederation of British Industry has done no such thing and, indeed, the speech to which you referred did not include any mention of Tony Blair or, indeed, of any of the other candidates.

What I did say was that the Labour Party's policies had changed significantly in recent years and that it would be churlish for industry not to recognise that. At the same time, I pointed out that there remain some important points of difference between us, on issues such as the Social Chapter, the minimum wage and two-tier boards.

But I am not seeking to participate in the leadership election. Apart from anything else, I do not have a vote.

Yours faithfully,

HOWARD DAVIES

Director-General, CBI

London, WC1