BBC should reflect all viewpoints

WHILE reporting on the monarchy I think that it is only right that the BBC should attempt to achieve an unbiased, impartial and inclusive viewpoint, as it should be for everything the BBC covers (Andrew Vine, Yorkshire Post, July 24). The BBC is watched by avid monarchists, die-hard republicans and what I suspect are the overwhelming majority of people in this country, those who couldn’t care less either way regarding constitutional arrangements. The BBC must cater to all. Adding the words “as things stand” – while alluding to the child’s mapped out future role – is the very least the BBC can do to reflect ongoing debate about the monarchy.

From: Jim Buckley, Akeley, Pontefract.

YOUR Leader (Yorkshire Post,  July 24), expressing confidence in the succession to the monarchy, will inevitably bring dissenting views.

I therefore write in support of your views. I look at the presidents of republics, and appreciate how lucky we are to have the monarchy. Long may it continue.

From: Hilary Andrews, Nursery Lane, Leeds.

ONE in the eye for all the Republicans who say that the Royals are a drain on our economy. Take a look at all those in London to celebrate the Royal birth. Think of how much they are spending in our shops and our restaurants. Do we see the same excitement if a president’s baby is born? No. Think again, silly Republicans.

From: Philip Smith, New Walk, Beverley, East Yorkshire.

SON George born July 22, 2013 to William Windsor, a helicopter pilot, and Kate Middleton, a part-time model.

What’s the big fuss?

From: Terry Duncan, Greame Road, Bridlington, East Yorkshire.

OUR two grand-daughters, now aged seven and 10, have been lucky to have both grandmothers, who regularly baby sit or have them for sleep-overs when their working parents’ timetables clash.

Is there any record of HM the Queen ever baby sitting for any of her grandchildren?

From: Mrs W Abbott, Boulsworth Avenue, Kingston upon Hull, East Yorkshire.

IT was a joy to see the crowds in London celebrating the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s first born.

I have similar views to Andrew Vine regarding the commentary of BBC Royal Correspondent Nicholas Witchell (Yorkshire Post, July 24). I sometimes find his presentation irritating, though with respect his job at certain times can be a difficult role. Mr Witchell should have chosen his words more carefully when describing the infant Prince George’s ascent in line to the throne “as things stand”. Standing outside St. Mary’s Hospital for a long period of time in the searing heat of the day, together with the background noise of an enthusiastic crowd, perhaps he became momentarily overwhelmed.

This wasn’t the only gaffe he made on that day. Talking about the Queen’s impending holiday at Balmoral Castle he said “where she will remain for several months”. What he should have said was several weeks. An easy mistake to make. Any chance of Jennie Bond returning?

Archbishop’s flawed logic

From: Tony Worthington, Northfield Lane, Highburton, Huddersfield.

SO John Sentamu calls part of the UK’s wage structure as a “national scandal” (Yorkshire Post, July 22). I would have thought that with Dr Sentamu’s background, particularly in Uganda, he would choose to use the word scandal with more consideration.

However, he goes on to tell us that firms are forgetting the basic moral imperative in relation to pay – what a load of tosh!

Many businesses here in the UK are competing with similar goods made in India and the Far East. They pay people significantly less than our so-called nationally scandalous minimum wage. Simple economic reality is, if  we pay more, many companies will be unable to compete  and will go out of business – no job, no wage.

I just love John Sentamu’s concept of suggesting the Government is subsiding businesses who do not pay people enough – many of the additional “in work support” payments referred to are made on the basis of personal circumstances such as tax credits for children. I guess, following Sentamu’s logic, businesses should pay a different hourly rate to people with four children to a person with no children – now that would be a scandal!

Seven-day healthcare

From: Michael Dennis, Laverton, Ripon.

I HAVE written to my MP Julian Smith to commend the point that Tom Richmond (Yorkshire Post, July 27) made about the reliability of hospital treatment at weekends.

I fully endorse his view that hospital rotas for all medical and support staff should be planned over a seven day working week.

Tom cites retail as an example of where the private sector  serves the needs of the public, equally, over a seven-day  working week.

There are many other examples – the airline industry, the hotel, restaurant and public house sector, the sea ferries, the rail services etc, so why should the hospitals be any different? After all one is just as likely to fall ill on Saturday or Sunday, as any other day of the week.

I would think the political  party which had the nerve to introduce seven-day working would be overwhelmingly popular with the electorate, because even though there  are about a million workers in  the Health Service, the majority  of voters are not employed  by the Health Service and  would benefit from such  change.

What do you think?