Charles’ chance to get regalia off his chest

From: John Watson, Hutton Hill, Leyburn, North Yorkshire.

AS a lifelong monarchist, and someone who always will be, I was intrigued by the regalia Charles had pinned on his chest at the State Opening of Parliament. I realise that as 
Prince of Wales he has some 
sort of status to maintain 
and that the regalia goes with 
the job.

The Order of Merit, of which there are only 25 members in the country, the Order of the Bath with Star, and the Order of the Thistle. He is ranked as Admiral of the Fleet, Field Marshal and Marshal of the RAF.

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I just wonder what some of our ex-servicemen will be thinking, although totally dedicated, who have come through the Russian convoys, the African campaign and the Battle of Britain, some of this even warranting a couple of stripes on the arm.

Although the Jubilee celebrations did a lot of good for the monarchy there is a lot of antipathy in the country, the Scots even wanting to rid themselves completely.

So, I think a little dressing down on a par with the Continental Royals would go down very well.

It is, of course, the mysticism and the anachronism of royalty which appeals to so many people, especially from abroad.

Of casualties and charities

From: Tim Mickleburgh, Boulevard Avenue, Grimsby.

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I DON’T like those charities which have collectors asking passers-by in the street to give to a particular cause. I’m sure they are trying to make people feel guilty if they don’t donate even if they privately support other charities.

Recently I heard someone asked to “support our boys in Afghanistan”, and was glad I had not been approached.

For while I would never do anything against British troops, I don’t believe they should ever have been out there in the first place. The same applies with Iraq, when once more our nation’s interests weren’t at stake. As for looking after those harmed in warfare, it is the job of the Government to care for those it has sent to fight. Having to involve charities shows that they aren’t doing their job.

So rather than make dangerous noises about possible involvement in Syria, we should prioritise the welfare of those we sent to take part in current and past military adventures.

Persecuted by unpitying IDS

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From: Peter A Ellis, Patterdale Drive, Dalton, Huddersfield.

THE Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith’s favourite pastime appears to be persecuting the less privileged members of our society.

However, he has obviously overlooked the fact that many of the potential victims of his ludicrous proposal to reduce housing benefit by 14 to 25 per cent, rely on state benefits to maintain a bearable quality of life and to keep a roof over their heads.

Mr Duncan Smith also suggests that the recipients of housing benefit seek a few hours’ employment to make up the shortfall, created by the reduction. Again Mr Duncan Smith seems blissfully unaware that many of these unfortunate souls suffer from either mental or physical illness. Moreover even if they were not incapacitated, due to circumstances beyond their control, for example the loss of much of our manufacturing industry, finding gainful employment would be virtually impossible.

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Indeed for Mr Duncan Smith to entertain such a notion serves to highlight just how out of touch he is with the day-to-day struggle that these unwell individuals are forced to endure.

Ukip can pick up the pieces

From: Mrs Barbara Stark, Ridgestone Avenue, Hull.

MAY I point out to Don Burslam that the “established parties which have had long experience of Government” have between them brought this country to its knees (Yorkshire Post, May 11).

We have a national debt of £1.2 trillion, which, according to a recent communication from the TaxPayers’ Alliance, would still take 38 years before it was paid if we paid it off at a rate of £1,000 a second . Yet, our coalition Government still pays out millions in foreign aid and £53m a day to the EU.

Ukip has a whole range of common sense policies which resonate with the British public, if only Mr Burslam took the trouble to find out. With these facts in mind and the general state of the country, I would suggest that Ukip cannot do any worse and it may even do better.

Children will experiment

From: Peter Hyde, Driffield, East Yorkshire.

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FOR the rather silly barrister to suggest that the age of consent should be lowered to 13 gives cause for concern about the justice system of our country.

Yet it seems to me that we can expect our young children to be engaged in some form of sexual activity, given that they are now taught all about sex in school and have access to far more knowledge about the subject than we ever had.

If you insist on teaching the theory of sex, then the recipients of the knowledge will want to experiment with the practical.