TONY Blair tries to defend university tuition fees by arguing that it isn't fair that the cost of higher education should be borne out of taxes paid by those who haven't benefited themselves from that education.

Using Blair's argument, I would contest that I have received no benefit from either Blair's illegal invasion of Iraq or the continued state subsidy given to the parasitic Royal Family.

If that is the case, according to Blair's logic I should pay no tax towards either -- only those who have benefited from the invasion and the royals should pay -- yet in total contravention to what Blair claims is appropriate for higher education I have to pay taxes to fund both.

The truth, of course, is that unlike the small elite of arms dealers, American corporations and establishment figures who benefit from the invasion of Iraq, and the Royal Family, everyone benefits from higher education whether they receive it or not.

After all, where would society be without teachers, doctors, scientists and all those who at the very least require a university education before they can do their jobs properly?

Or is Blair, like Thatcher before him, trying to claim that there is no such thing as society.

The only fair way to fund higher education is through a progressive income tax system where those in society with the highest incomes pay the greatest amount.

Unfortunately, such fairness is anathema to Blair and New Labour, who as always continue to lie to try to justify their reactionary right wing policies.

MARK EDWARDS Park Street, Taunton.