YP Letters: EU minister disparaging males and older generation beyond the pale

Anna Soubry's use of the phrase 'older, male and pale' has caused offence.

SINCE when did “older, male and pale” become a pejorative in the UK? Many of this category could be survivors of the many conflicts since the Second World War; so, good enough to risk life and limb for the country but not wise enough to believe that Brexit is good for the UK?

Well Anna Soubry, as an older male... and pale, I might have had a bit more respect for you if you had said ‘white’ rather than ‘pale’ because then you couldn’t have dodged the charge of racism that goes with your ageism and sexism hang-ups! I do though feel you are ideally qualified to be Minister for Small Business... with emphasis on the small.

From: David Downs, Sandal, Wakefield.

IT appears to me that 80-90 per cent of letter writers to The Yorkshire Post are in favour of leaving the EU. The national press and media would suggest that the pro Remain groups are currently, marginally in the lead.

Does The Yorkshire Post’s Brexit supporters reflect an age group, as 99 per cent of my friends and acquaintances of pensionable age also wish to leave, or does the number of Brexit letters reflect the general consensus of the region’s public at large?

From: Wendy Abbott, Boulsworth Avenue, Hull.

GREAT Britain is a country which fought and won two world wars and, over a period of time, turned austerity into prosperity. Our country will not grind to a halt if we leave the EU. The suggestion is preposterous. David Cameron needs to tone down his aggressive approach and allow voters to make their own choice without feeling that they are being pressurised.

From: John Fisher, Menwith Hill, Harrogate.

THOSE who view Germany as undemocratic and a potential dictator of the EU should take a critical look at the UK. We have a first-past-the-post election system which continually elects political parties who rule with at times 30 per cent of votes cast.

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

MIKE Warburton, of accountants Grant Thornton, summed it up for me some years ago: “In financial terms there is nothing more important than saving for retirement.” I’m fortunate. I’m retired. I hope the young will give this top priority in making their decision on the EU. It’s their future that is at stake.