Political realities of Europe vote

From: Ann L Dawson, Park Dale, Menston, Ilkley.

I READ with disbelief the comments of Jayne Dowle (The Yorkshire Post, May 19). Surely her reasons for burying her head in the sand over European issues are the very reasons why we must take an interest in today’s elections. This is far from “a luxury only those with nothing else to worry about can afford”.

Why does Jayne spend so long deliberating over her local council elections when the elephant in the room looms over all, threatening to control every minutiae of our life in Britain? She will have no need to worry abut her bins, potholes, education or home care and no control over the prices in her local market – Big Brother Europe will have it covered and will not be concerned to ask what her or our opinions on the matter are. Now is the time to show it does matter by voting Ukip in order to give Britain a meaningful say in its own future.

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From: Peter Asquith-Cowen, First Lane, Anlaby, Near Beverley.

IN the lead-up to the European election, we should all be asking that important question: “Who really runs Britain?”

The smooth-talking, smart, aggressively articulate Nigel Farage believes all Britain’s problems will be solved by leaving the EU. They won’t be. This is a cheap, simplistic argument.

The EU, with all its faults, has introduced many workers’ rights. I shall vote solidly Labour and to remain within the EU. If the CBI and the Tories have their way, we will return to the miserable standards of Victorian times.

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One US billionaire, Warren Buffett, recently said: “There’s a class warfare, all right, but it’s my class, the rich class, that’s making war, and we’re winning.”

Well, readers, I think that says it all about the US and the British Tory Party.

From: David Collins, Scissett, Huddersfield.

IT occurs to me that our current political situation has a strong historic link.

A political class is emerging who have no concept of the lives of ordinary people and little connection with them.

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A business class who are intent on making money for themselves and have no sense of corporate identity or loyalty.

A new underclass of politicians offering hope to the population while offering no reasonable or long-term solutions.

In the words of Bill Clinton: “It’s the economy, stupid.”

Everything else is a sideshow.

From: John Watson, Hutton Hill, Leyburn.

HOW I long for the days of yore when you could say what you liked, within reason, without anybody taking offence.

What has happened to our precious “freedom of speech”? I am sure that there is some nosey parker hiding in the wings whose sole object in life is to pounce on somebody whose words have appeared to be offensive.

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Also, why is it that Nigel Farage is getting so much exposure on the news channels? Is it because they are waiting for him to say something outrageous. The sanctimonious trio of David Cameron, Nick Clegg, and Ed Miliband are just waiting for something like this to happen.

How insignificant they have become when compared with Farage who tells the people straight what he stands for.

From: Nigel F Boddy, Fife Road, Darlington.

THE Greens want an immediate referendum on Europe but will then argue during that campaign to stay in. Ukip want an immediate referendum and will argue during that campaign to take us out. The issue is one of trust. The Greens and Ukip trust the British people to make up their own minds.

Nick Clegg clearly showed on The Andrew Marr Show that he didn’t want a referendum at all. He has that in common with Ed Miliband. David Cameron has an absolutely pointless position of wanting a referendum but in three years’ time.

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At that time is the decision to hold one likely to be his? We must take back control of this issue for ourselves through an immediate referendum. Our current group of Westminster politicians are unable to recognise they are the problem.

From: Hilary Andrews, Nursery Lane, Leeds.

RARELY have the European elections generated so much discussion on whether or no the UK should be in or out of the EU.

Many have suggested that we revert to our arrangement with our Commonwealth countries.

On a recent visit to Australia and New Zealand, it was interesting to note that they were happy we were in Europe as it meant they could freely trade with Asia where vast, profitable markets were open to them.

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We certainly need to engage with the EU to get better terms but a total out might not be as valuable as some politicians would have us believe.

No rules on bike bells

From: Michael J Robinson, Berry Brow, Huddersfield

MISS D Whittington of Lincoln (The Yorkshire Post, May 18) asked if cyclists “know it’s an offence” to ride without a bell. Curiously enough, it isn’t. The Highway Code says: “Let them know you are there when necessary, for example, by ringing your bell if you have one. It is recommended that a bell be fitted.” I believe that it is sufficient that a cyclist can give audible warning of approach, and the voice (“Ey up!”) is as good a means as any.