Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir, – It is now 20 years since then Tory minister Peter Lilley at the Conservative Party conference attacked the ”something-for-nothing” culture, famously reciting: ”I’ve got a little list” of those in society who in his opinion were least deserving to receive UK government help and assistance.
His comments provoked widespread outrage, disgust and parody from political opponents, religious leaders and the general public.
Now, 20 years on and Johann Lamont the Labour Party’s leader in Scotland has also attacked the ”something-for-nothing” culture and she too has written her own ”I’ve got a little list” of those she considers to be least deserving of Scottish Government help and assistance.
That list includes the police, students, those who need care, the young seeking work and apprenticeships, the old, the sick, the vulnerable and those who pay council tax.
Those in the right-wing media have described Johann Lamont’s lurch to the right as ”brave”. Many others, including those in her own party, have been less than kind.
In adopting Tory cuts Johann Lamont has been accused of abandoning her party’s recent policies, betraying its founding principles, its membership, those it represents, and has been criticised by Scottish political observers of deliberately aligning herself with coalition policies at Westminster in order to emphasise her unionist credentials.
They say that those who choose to ignore history are fated to repeat it. Peter Lilley’s extreme right-wing views two decades ago help make the Tory party toxic and unelectable in Scotland.
The danger for Labour in Scotland is to allow Johann Lamont to repeat that mistake in the run-up to the independence referendum in 2014 and the Scottish Parliament elections in 2016.
That would spell disaster for Labour.
Malcolm McCandless.40 Muirfield Crescent,Dundee.
An opportunity for cycle lanes
Sir, – I am astonished by Johann Lamont’s threat to stop Scottish students being given free university education. This is not me being selfish but looking to Scotland’s future.
I was funded through university over 60 years ago after my father died when I was 15 and my mother was terminally ill when I was a student. There was no way I could have paid my way through a degree then teacher training.
But I like to think that the country’s investment in me paid off as I spent my working life educating the next generation.
Labour’s new policy drives a coach and horses through their previous stance on educating those who can’t afford it themselves.
In the period immediately after World War Two, the finances of Britain were pretty desperate too yet the government saw the importance of supporting students.
This not a matter of mis-spending in hard times; it’s a matter of assuring the future of the country.
Ian Gilbert.6 Robertson Crescent,Pitlochry.
An opportunity for cycle lanes
Sir, – I read Alan Richardson’s article, Signs positive for A9 upgrade (September 26), in The Courier with interest.
What a fantastic opportunity to have good, high-quality Dutch-style cycle lanes between Perth and Inverness, incorporated with the road design. Will it happen, though?
It would be fantastic if the Scottish Government have the foresight to grasp this truly forward-thinking opportunity.
If they did the same with the new Forth crossing and all new road developments and upgrades, it could really promote and integrate cycling within an overall sustainable transport policy.
Here’s hoping. Or rather than hoping, perhaps we should campaign?
Gregor Macintyre.Scottish Director,JB Corrie & Co Ltd (Scotland),Signal Box Road, Blairgowrie.
No need to bring it up
Sir, – I feel that there is a bias to your reporting of the story, New chapter as couple to share parish (September 24). You are only writing and printing information from the disparate group plus letters written by them.
I do not wish to detract from the hope that Rev Dr Francis Bridger and Rev Helen Bridger will bring to St Mary’s and Broughty Ferry, however, there was an omission from the article. The Rev Jonathan Bower was exonerated of all the concerns that were raised about him.
Councillor Bidwell said we have drawn a line under what happened quite some while ago so where was the necessity to bring this up yet again without giving the full story?
I also refute the comment made by Sally Carus that within the Church there is no homophobia.
Mrs Fiona Jeffery.22 Gauldry Terrace,Broughty Ferry,Dundee.
New broom
Sir, – Just 24 hours after being appointed as the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Scotland, an announcement is made that up to 3,000 support staff jobs could be lost following the merger of the eight police forces.
Nothing like the new broom!
John McDonald.14 Rosebery Court,Kirkcaldy.