Cameron
too late on
immigration

THE Prime Minister’s speech on immigration was another instance of securing the stable long after the horse has escaped (The Yorkshire Post, November 29).

His demands for non-payment of some benefits and controlled access to social housing for new arrivals from the EU already exist in some EU countries, so this would cause few problems with any future negotiation.

These proposed controls on EU immigration appear to be the result of a negative campaign by the Conservative Party and sections of the national Press against every aspect of the EU.

Had these curbs been applied in the 1960s onwards when the UK was being turned into a multi-cultural society by both Labour and the Conservatives without consulting the population, 
the UK would be a different country today.

We cannot turn the clock back but the sight of David Cameron trying desperately to be the saviour of the UK and offering a vote on staying in the EU is pathetic.

From: David Collins, Scissett.

THE Prime Minister said he is going to control net migration. The CBI say they need the qualified immigrants. Therefore it is either xenophobia, racism or Farageism. Mr Farage calls the tunes even when not in power. This is a side issue. In the words of Bill Clinton, it is the economy, stupid.

From: Barrie Crowther, Walton, Wakefield.

THE British are laid back and placid people, that is until they are pushed into a corner. Then they come out fighting.

One has to take events over the last few years, especially our open door policy and the EU directives as being pushed into a corner. Everything is now at saturation point, be it NHS schools, roads, etc. Are politicians so naïve as to think at some point we are not going to say enough is enough? As it is we are being led blindfolded into what could easily become a racial war.

From: Les Arnott, Athelstan Road, Sheffield, South Yorkshire.

DAVID Cameron’s assertion that “Ukip doesn’t believe in the NHS and wants to break it up” is “a cheap shot, and a downright lie” according to Louise Bours MEP.

“There is a concerted effort from the established parties to peddle non-truths and misinformation about Ukip and the NHS,” she said.

Might I suggest that readers who are interested in truth rather than propaganda should check out Ukip’s policy on the NHS for themselves?

From: ME Wright, Grove Road, Harrogate.

MANY of us recall the hilarious, if wildly un-PC Fawlty Towers, in which a manic Basil goose steps round doing Hitler impressions, his grossly offended German guests asking “how ever did they win the war?”

Tom Richmond’s reference to Parliamentary politics being turned into a pantomime (The Yorkshire Post, November 28 November) makes me wonder if the Germans, and others, ask the same question when they witness the antics of the Bullingdon Boys and wannabes at PM’s Question Time.

To complete the farce, why not include the team from Radio 4’s aptly named I’m Sorry, I Haven’t a Clue? Questions could be planted from the gloriously batty Mrs Trellis of North Wales and the whole show punctuated by endless sexual indiscretions involving “the lovely Samantha” .

Is this really
devolution?

From: Sue Morton, Green Party, Fir Street, Sheffield.

IN the last few weeks, the Government has proposed that Northern cities, particularly Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield get a form of devolution. Greater Manchester’s councils have already committed themselves, including having an elected Mayor, which was rejected by Sheffield people two years ago by a 65 per cent majority. The Government will now prepare legislation to enable these changes, with the potential for the mayoral election to take place in 2017. This is happening by decree of George Osborne. Where is the democratic process in all of this? The decision making in Sheffield is also shrouded in secrecy. The people of Sheffield have no say as the Government cuts decimate our services.

Is this devolution? Is it what Sheffield people want?

A woman
of letters

From: Martin J Dodgson, Thwing.

I COULDN’T agree more with Sarah Todd’s recent Home and Country column (The Yorkshire Post, November 22) regarding the benefit of sending and receiving letters.

My late mother was renowned for her wonderful letters and passed on to me the pleasure of hand-writing letters.

Despite the fact that we lived only 10 miles apart and met on a regular basis, we exchanged letters frequently.

She invariably commenced her letter to me “My dear 
first born...” I have never asked my younger brother how she commenced her letters to him.

The propensity for emails has virtually destroyed the art of letter writing and “thank you” letters seem to be a thing of the past. I hand-write several letters a week and oh what joy when I occasionally get one in return. So well done young Master Todd – long may you continue your letter writing and encourage your friends to follow your example.