If we put ethics in order, then we will survive

THE letter from Dr Glyn Powell (Yorkshire Post, May 21) perpetuates the views of those who believe that we should all live off the State.

A criticism of a proposed automatic increase to the state retirement age “on the pretext that we are all living longer” was laughable. Hasn’t he noticed that we are living longer?

Does he want us to be like the Greeks whose belief that they should work for only some 30 odd years of their life time and that the State should carry them for 55 or more has put them in the position they are in today?

Having survived another week of feedback from people in business whose efforts are hampered at every turn, of nationalised industries who waste a fortune on unnecessary contrived bills which add greatly to the cost of their product, from ludicrous demands to innocent citizens which are necessary to combat crime (for example, money laundering and many others) because the criminals are not penalised enough for their crimes it was a relief to read Frank Pate’s letter (also May 21) with its common sense approach.

If people stop knocking the politicians, they would be able to concentrate more on the job in hand.

Many of us dislike the Europe domination. but how many of us respond to public outcry rather than on the facts of the matter? If we put our personal and national ethics in order, we shall survive. If we don’t we won’t.

Private schools closed to most

From: Dominic Rayner, Gledhow Avenue, Roundhay, Leeds.

RICHARD Hopwood of Brighouse writes (Yorkshire Post, May 26) that when he took his children to the gate of their private school each morning, he did so alongside a cohort of bus drivers, hairdressers and nurses.

If you close your eyes you can imagine a gang of Lowry’s stereotypical working men leaving the mill after an early shift, strolling to the local private school to pick up the bairns after lacrosse practice. The reality is surely different – the size of the school fees would preclude most lower and middle income families.

The family who have a sports car for him, a 4x4 for her, fashion labels and cosmetic dental work on view and 2.4 kids in private education is a stereotype; but even that is perhaps more representative of parents who choose to pay school fees than the median income family that Mr Hopwood suggests.

Mr Hopwood also says that children in private schools have hard-working parents. I’m sure this is true – in my experience, all parents are hard-working; but those who could not come close to affording private education seem to work hardest.

Eurovision not like Cliff’s day

From: John Gordon, Whitcliffe Lane, Ripon.

EVER since I watched Cliff Richard sing Congratulations in the Eurovision Contest in 1968, I have been looking for a tune that is equally musical.

There was nothing like that at Baku. The stage appeared to be on fire most of the time and the singers were supported by dancers having epileptic fits.

I expect the show cost an enormous amount to put on and presumably satisfied the 125 million people who watched it. But to my mind, it’s gone downhill since Cliff’s time and I shall not be tuning in to Sweden next year.

College is a real treasure

From: David Hodson Walker, Minden Court, Cooke Street, Bentley, Doncaster.

I READ with interest your article “Council in £1.5m bailout for visitor attraction” (Yorkshire Post, May 26).

While I agree wholeheartedly that Wentworth Castle should be supported, one thing your article failed to mention is the jewel in South Yorkshire’s crown that shares the same site that is Northern College.

Northern College is a wonderful institution, providing adult learners with a “second chance” of gaining a qualification. I recently completed a diploma course there and the staff and tutors are second to none, along with residential accommodation set in fantastic grounds.

By all means, support the Wentworth Trust but not at the expense of this wonderful institution, the students of which spend quite a lot of money in the gift shop; not to mention the many conferences that are held there bringing in further revenue

Sovereign no more

From: Jack Kinsman, Stainton Drive, Grimsby.

I WONDER if Her Majesty ever reflects back to the days when she was our sovereign.

Does she think to herself:

“Sixty years ago, when I took over this job, our laws were made here in Great Britain by a parliament elected by the people of Great Britain. Now all the laws of Great Britain are made by unelected foreigners in a foreign land. Even I, the Queen of the United Kingdom am now governed by people from outside my domain.”

God Save The Queen.