Sir, – The Scottish Government announced a £30 million funding package for local authorities in Scotland to provide free school meals for families facing financial hardship over holidays at Christmas, February and Easter.
Last week over 300 Conservative MPs in Westminster, including all Scottish Conservative MPs, except their leader Douglas Ross, who didn’t vote, rejected a similar Labour proposal for children in England, championed by footballer Marcus Rashford.
Yet any of these MPs on £80,000 plus per year and generous expenses could avail themselves, in the Westminster members’ dining room, of a heavily subsidised “chargrilled ribeye steak with hand cut chips, tomato, mushroom and Bearnaise sauce” for less than a tenner.
One meal for the rich…
Les Mackay.
Carmichael Gardens,
Dundee.
Squabbles but far from outright war
Sir, – Alex Bell’s article (Agenda, Courier, October 22) seems indicative of the leaked memo which intimates increased attacks on the independence movement, specifically the SNP and its internal squabbling.
Below the squabblers are a growing, confident army of supporters moving forward.
Mr Bell’s speculation about Angus Robertson being a future leader is a distraction.
In comparison, the Tory Party has been riven by internecine warfare by Brexiteers for 40 years until they hijacked control, and equally the Labour Party in England when it swung hard left after Miliband.
It has now been lassoed by the centre left and is being reeled in from the wilderness in England.
Scottish Labour has a deep hole from which to escape.
The indy movement all still have the same goal, the differences are just the pathway to get there.
The pandemic and Brexit requires additional extraordinary actions by the Scottish Government, that are “outwith their gift”.
That is very visible to the Scottish public, who are very aware of these shackles.
The UK Government have mobilised their commentariat, to again undermine the confidence of people in Scotland.
The trend is obvious, all good stuff is UK Government, all bad stuff is Scottish Government.
The Scottish Government do make mistakes but they admit it, albeit reluctantly, then try to correct.
The UK Government also make mistakes, yet they turn their hearing aids to “off” a la Manchester, or WASPI Women.
Finally, most Scots know an independent Scotland will have its challenges – just like Denmark, Norway and others – but it will be our people that will make, take and have to stand by these decisions.
Alistair Ballantyne.
Birkhill, Angus.
Why make it difficult to access flu vaccine?
Sir, – Why are flu vaccines being administered in central locations where elderly folk who don’t drive and have mobility issues have difficulty getting to?
I don’t see why the team involved could not attend local places where access through the front door and exit through the rear door, with appropriate social distancing, could be achieved.
I know the vaccine has to be kept in a fridge but I’m sure with a bit of forward planning a fridge could be available in most places. I just feel that many old folk will just take a chance and not bother.
Especially when the guidance says you can’t get a lift.
Many cannot use public transport and even if they did they face a long walk to the centre from a bus stop.
Douglas Ross.
Ladybank, Fife.
Nelson wouldn’t turn a blind eye to Scots
Sir, – In reply to Alex Orr’s letter (Major role of Scots at Battle of Trafalgar, Courier, October 22).
Maybe Nelson should have been reminded of that fact when, prior to the battle, he sent out the message “England expects every man to do his duty”.
I’m sure Alex wouldn’t want to turn a blind eye to that.
Iain MacEchern.
Countess Gardens, Crieff.
