SIR – Does Shadow International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell really believe that he is enhancing the rapidly-diminishing electoral support of his party by stating (T&A, April 17) that the top priority for a Conservative government will be the giving of support to the development of Pakistan?

Other than appealing to what is now considered to be a minority of Pakistanis who still cleave to the country that they left, he has now left an open goal for the BNP.

There must be a dearth of talent in the Conservative party if potential office is given to such as Mr Mitchell.

John Pashley, Westcliffe Avenue, Baildon