•“WHEN I joined the Hampstead Labour Party in 1979 I was under no illusions” wrote Steven Taylor, (I’ve never been starry-eyed about Labour, but…, May 11).

My heart fell. I knew what was coming. It is always the way the far left open their discussions about the Labour Party. “Socialism has been a minority opinion…” within Labour, he argues, assuming that he has the right to define what socialism is, or is not.

Along with thousands of other Labour members, I was out in the local elections campaigning for homes, the health service and the right to be paid an adequate wage.

We were twinned with Stoke on Trent and dozens of members went up to support the local party in fighting for what people so badly need.

The result was stunning: Labour won 17 seats – eight from the Tories and nine from independents.

I was not able to go to Stoke, so I went down to Sittingbourne. With others we tramped the streets, speaking to local people about what they needed.

Again the results were positive: we won four seats on Swale Borough Council and are now the largest party. My friend won by just one vote!

Across England the results were a disaster for the Tories, losing over 1,000 seats. Now our duty is to use the council seats we have won on behalf of the people.

It is a huge responsibility. We must use the slashed budgets we have been given by the government to improve schools, fight for homes which are not damp, mouldy or seriously overcrowded, more trees and better transport.

That is socialism in action.

Steven Taylor’s letter suggests that campaigning for wider issues is no longer possible. He couldn’t be further from the truth: it has been the lifeblood of our party for 123 years.

I joined the Labour Party two years before he did and I am proud to have campaigned under its banner ever since.

I was on the Campaign Against the Corrie Bill in 1979, which fought for women’s rights to a safe abortion. I joined many anti-Apartheid demonstrations and have continued to fight for justice in Zimbabwe, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Sudan.

I remember how we stood outside the Kentish Town Co-op week after week, raising money for the miners. We gave their children a week in London during the holidays to so their families had the break they so badly needed.

I joined all of these demonstrations as a member of Labour and I am proud to have done so. Our party has fought for representation in parliament and in local government, while continuing the campaign for particular causes and always will do.

MARTIN PLAUT, NW5