TV has worse offenders than Clarkson

SO TV watchdog Ofcom is to launch an inquiry into the comments made by Jeremy Clarkson on The One Show.

This matter has been well publicised. I would have thought an inquiry unnecessary. Surely anyone with a modicum of intelligence is aware of Clarkson’s schoolboy antics and treats them accordingly. He did apologise (no doubt with his loose tongue in his cheek) and he did not swear.

What the TV watchdogs ought to be giving time, money and attention to is the incessant use of sex and foul language in so many programmes. I mention Mock the Week as a perfect example in the use of the “F” word, insulting references to politicians, royalty, sportsmen and the rest.

Will there by an outcry the first time we are treated to a few fruity phrases in the 10 O’clock News? Or, will we blame it on the age we live in?

From: Trev Bromby, Sculcoates Lane, Hull.

IN my opinion Top Gear is rubbish, all its presenters little boys in men’s bodies. But, having seen a re-run of the “shoot the strikers” clip, it appears obvious that Jeremy Clarkson was making a joke to redress the balance of what he said a minute earlier. He even stated that.

Madmen preach hate on our streets with impunity. A mad man makes a joke, his right to free speech vilified.

The only apology he should make is: “Sorry 32,000 of you don’t have a sense of humour. I am truly sorry for you! Now trot off and get a life.”

An English Parliament

From: Jack Brown, Lab Lane, Monk Bretton, Barnsley.

IT may be possible, but I find it difficult to believe that anyone proposing government as close to home as possible could support the supranational European Union (EU).

Therefore, those who call for elected regional assemblies should know that, way back in the last century, Europe proposed division of Britain into 14 regions. I used to have my Labour Party map and list of seven “options”. All except the last – the status quo – were rejected by the party.

Nevertheless, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown embraced EU regionalism. Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish independence began the divide-and-rule process. John Prescott’s attempt to break up England into the remaining 11 regions was only thwarted by a referendum for a regional assembly in “the North East region”.

Those who now call for regional government play into the hands of those who have plotted, lied (“Common Market”) and cheated (the 1975 referendum question) to get us into and keep us in Europe.

We should be demanding an English Parliament to protect the UK as well as England. Who can doubt that a Parliament of solely English MPs would represent the counties of England far more dutifully and enthusiastically than those with divided loyalties?

Who can doubt that an English Parliament would promote social policies enjoyed only by our Scotch, Welsh and Irish brethren? Let us have that Parliament.

If devolution of some ministerial powers to local government is not a consequence, we can decide upon the next political step.

Conflict of City interest

From: A and S Davies, Heathfield Court, Grimsby.

WHEN R Firth (Yorkshire Post, December 16) asks for economic policies which simultaneously protect the City and promote manufacturing, doesn’t it occur to him that the needs of the two may be mutually inconsistent?

The City prefers a strong pound for that enhances confidence in the currency and this attracts funds to London (for the banks exist on commission) and also helps to keep inflation down because imports are cheaper.

These cheaper imports help industry by keeping down import costs, but at the same time price export goods out of overseas markets.

This is exactly what happened in the early 1980s when North Sea oil revenues pushed up the value of the pound and made exports uncompetitive in overseas markets. The strong pound was thus a major factor in bringing about further decline in the manufacturing sector.

This incompatibility of the City and manufacturing has been at the root of the UK’s economic policies for more than a century and a half. It is time it was recognised as such.

Tory dishonesty over Europe

From: Don Burslam, Elm Road, Dewsbury Moor, Dewsbury.

POLITICIANS have only themselves to blame for their deep unpopularity. In addition to pecuniary dishonesty, there is dishonesty over policy.

Take the Conservatives. As far as I know, it is not the party’s policy to withdraw from the EU. Despite this, candidates know full well that unless they express the most visceral dislike for all things European to their local party, they won’t be selected. At least you know where you stand with Ukip.

For an MP to use his privileged position at Westminster to defy his party’s policy and his leader would be enough to merit deselection in a more principled age.

Unfortunately – or fortunately – they are doomed to fail in their efforts but have materially damaged this country’s ability to play a full part in Europe’s affairs. Some people have a very peculiar idea of what real patriotism means.

Pagan time of worship

From: Gerry Vickers, Poole Lane, Burton Salmon, Leeds.

WHAT a very strange notion Mr Platt has about how atheists behave at Christmas (Yorkshire Post, December 23).

Since almost all the traditions of Christmas are pagan, it should be the Christians who should abandon them and stick to worshipping and singing carols.

If the atheists (who are probably in the majority now, if church attendance is anything to go by) acted as he suggests at Christmas and the Christians abandoned their pagan aspects of this festive season, then there would be very few “merry gentlemen” in manufacturing, wholesaling and retailing at this time of the year and they would certainly be “dismayed”.