Long may The Yorkshire Post set the agenda – Yorkshire Post Letters

From: Bridget Duncan, Pontefract.

THE outstanding quality of all three pieces on Tuesday’s Opinion page of The Yorkshire Post (September 22) bear witness to the superb journalism every day that marks the newspaper out among its peers.

Andrew Vine’s carefully argued piece, does, I believe, represent the views of a huge, largely silent but less so than they were, number of people.

In particular, for me, as I fall into the category, his reference to ‘‘the retired, in good health and sick of being characterised as so frail that they must hide themselves away’’.

The increased movement of many people, not only the older cohort, towards taking careful note of the risks of Covid-19 as outlined in various briefings, but then relying on their own good sense to guide the way in which they live their lives, is a natural consequence of the general disarray and inconsistencies that are demonstrated in the various, frequently changing Government edicts.

The testing regime is clearly not fit for purpose for mass testing at the moment. The targeting of specific groups, e.g. health and care professionals, with regular tests and rapid results, would seem to be a good place to start to develop an effective system.

Matthew Flinders’ summation of Boris Johnson as Prime Minister may not make comfortable reading either for him, the Conservative party or indeed the country at large.

It is by no means a character assassination, but shows some insight into the man, and how those around him are gradually losing faith.

Yes, a Prime Minister does need charisma and a degree of showmanship, but these need to be built upon the rock of hard work, integrity, attention to detail (however boring that can be at times) and a willingness to take hard decisions. These qualities seem somewhat lacking at the moment. The role is not a game, it is for real. As a nation, we need Boris Johnson to utilise to the full the talents and intellect with which he is endowed.

Ros Altmann continues her persistent pursuit of the issues surrounding the delays to women’s pensions for those who are having to wait to the age of 66. As ever, she presents the evidence and arguments in a clear, forthright and accurate manner.

We readers of The Yorkshire Post are fortunate in having a high quality, accurate, well argued and, on occasion, challenging, daily read. It is so well worth the money. Long may it continue to serve its readership within the county and beyond.

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Thank you

James Mitchinson