YOUR correspondent (Oxford Mail, February 8) asked how I would deal with the piracy situation that the Chandlers had fallen victim to.

Firstly, I would withdraw all foreign aid to Somalia, pending the hostages’ release.

It is ludicrous that our Government is giving millions of pounds to a country that shows its gratitude by kidnapping British citizens.

The Somalis are taking us for fools and the Royal Navy has disgraced itself by not standing up to pirates.

Recently a Danish vessel managed to thwart an attack by Somali pirates and they fled.

Once Britannia ruled the waves. Now we can’t even rescue innocent British citizens who are pleading for assistance.

The Chandlers’ boat has managed to find its way back to Poole harbour. Is their yacht more important than their lives?

When I voted for this Government I did so in the belief that it would be fair and speak up for the underdog. I still have the conviction that Labour is a fair Party of the people.

However, David Miliband is not a great asset and the Foreign Office is mired in incompetency.

SUSAN THOMAS, Magdalen Road, Oxford