Madam, – Next week we have the European Parliament elections.
Typical reasons for not voting in the EU elections include “I don’t know much about the EU” or “it is too distant to seem relevant.”
Yet we as a nation are avid supporters of the European Union if you follow Nicola Sturgeon’s SNP rhetoric.
Of course, that rhetoric overlooks the one million people in Scotland that voted for Brexit in 2016 (including a sizeable amount of SNP voters).
I voted for Britain to have the freedom and flexibility to make its way in the world.
To be an ally of Europe without being tied to such a convoluted political structure as the European Union.
I also hope that with the flexibility to shape our international trade deals, Britain can become a true champion of Fair Trade throughout the world by setting up fair partnerships with the developing world, as well as with the most innovative international markets.
Hopefully we can further strengthen our friendship and co-operation with the English-speaking Commonwealth nations.
Something that I also feel can be further developed is a fair and sustainable immigration system that does not, by design, favour EU citizens over people from the rest of the world.
It should be a system that is fair to all.
Democracy, and fairness, is always a worthy cause.
Peter Campbell.
28 Wentworth
Crescent, Dundee.
Democracy discredited
Madam, – As if politics could not get any worse in this country, we are now faced with a European election in which it looks as though the Brexit party will clean up in England, have an impact in Scotland, and then make their disruptive presence felt in the European Parliament.
I am sure the Brexit chaos would have given them the impetus anyway. But the fact that Westminster, as soon as the extension to Brexit was secured, went off on holiday, gave the Brexit insurgents a clear run at the voters.
Meanwhile, Conservatives and Labour run down the clock in their futile attempt to find a deal which neither wants and the only leaflet I have had through my door has had Farage’s grinning fizzog on the front.
If our Westminster leaders were deliberately trying to further discredit that institution it is hard to think of how they could do a better job.
Les Mackay.
5 Carmichael Gardens,
Dundee.
Fears of Murray Royal traffic real
Madam, – Mr Ladner’s views on the proposed Murray Royal housing development cannot be allowed to go unchallenged (Murray Royal Fears dismissed, Courier, May 11).
His reasons for being in favour almost mirror those of the developer, whose estimates of existing traffic numbers has already been discredited.
Claims that in the residential areas of Gannochy and Kinnoull “less than 70% of households own a car” are patently inaccurate.
A quick tour of the area would soon demonstrate that car ownership is much higher, with many residents owning two cars.
Furthermore, Mr Ladner fails to take into account the traffic associated with Murray Royal Hospital .
Most staff who work there use their cars at peak times, and that’s not to mention the traffic from those who work shifts.
He also ignores the increase in traffic through Bridgend, which will inevitably result from new housing developments already in the pipeline in Scone.
Mr Ladner ends by insulting the good residents of Bridgend by suggesting that the income from the additional council taxes justifies the obvious danger of increased air pollution in an area already blighted by the problem.
It is to be hoped the Scottish Government’s Reporter, who is reviewing the application, will give weight to serious health and congestion issues as clearly identified by Bridgend, Gannochy and Kinnoull Community Council and not be swayed to grant permission in order simply to generate revenues for the coffers of Perth and Kinross Council.
Andrew Turnbull.
22 Corsie Drive,
Perth.
Two-tier system already exists
Madam, – Regards your headlines in the Courier at the weekend of the rejection of the alteration of the car parking charges in smaller towns in Angus (Small town parking fees proposal is voted down, Courier, May 10).
The reason given was it would create a two-tier system in the county.
Is that not what has happened with the withdrawal of the general waste skips in smaller towns?
Come on Angus Council, please give the public – who, remember, voted you in and can easily vote you out – your reasons for this.
Nancy Stormont.
93 Bridge Street,
Brechin.
In football, money talks
Madam, – It was a bit cheeky of James Stevenson of Auchterarder to link the recent football success by teams based in the English premiership as an example of the often misguided political slogan “Better Together” (Welcome sporting success, Courier, May 13).
As a Liverpool fan from the age of 10 I have known the not-so-good years before the great Bill Shankly established the club as a permanent fixture at the forefront of the English top division.
However, all four teams are owned by overseas investors, managed by overseas managers and have many first team players that do not qualify to play for England. It is also fair to mention that all the goals scored in the semi-finals were netted by players from overseas countries.
Money talks louder than sentiment, which is why four Premier League clubs are in the final of this season’s two main European competitions.
Allan. A. MacDougall.
37 Forth Park,
Bridge of Allan.
Changing a child’s future
Madam, – I am not surprised by the Fostering Network’s findings that an extra 580 new foster families will be needed in Scotland this year (Campaign to attract more foster carers, Courier May 13).
The call from Scotland’s children’s minister for more people to consider becoming foster carers is very welcome.
At Aberlour, we work with a number of foster families across Scotland who provide a safe, loving, nurturing home for children, often who have suffered traumatic experiences at a young age. However, we urgently need more foster carers.
While it is not always an easy task to look after a child who has experienced trauma, Aberlour is there to support families every step of the way, no matter the day or time.
During Foster Care Fortnight, we will be sharing the positive fostering stories of just a few of the families we have been working with in the hope of debunking some of the myths out there.
Fostering is an incredibly rewarding thing to do and I’d encourage anyone who thinks they might want to open their home to a child in need to find out more about the opportunities in their local area.
You might just change a child’s future.
Maxine Hawthorn.
Assistant Director,
Aberlour Child Care Trust.
