‘Data centres should be made to provide their own power, rather than draining the grid’

Data centres are proliferating around the UK. But should they be self-sufficient instead of relying on domestic energy for their massive power needs?

Powered off 

About your item on data centres I have long believed that these monsters should only be given permission if they provide their own power, ie not from the grid. I’d like to say the same about the water supply but it doesn’t seem realistic.

Martin Johnson  

Value judgement

Great to see Andy Burnham is aware and supportive of Big Issue, but I think he does you a disservice describing people who buy the mag as generous. The joy of Big Issue is that it’s a bloody good magazine and a valuable product vendors can sell so they don’t need to rely on generosity or beg. Your editors get a great range of contributors, the tone of features is empathetic and solution oriented, the culture pages are varied and accessible, and the regular columnists always have something interesting to say. I’m sure all your regular readers will agree! 

David Battersby  

Responses to: Russell Trimby’s My Pitch

Well done, Russell. It’s not easy having a loved one have dementia. I hope Russell is getting help. Looking after yourself matters in this. 

Rufus G Threepwood, Facebook

That was a brave and wonderful thing to do for your dad. Well done.

Ysabel Hammond-Hunt, Facebook

So glad Russell found his reason to get clean. I hope he goes on to inspire others.

@a_weary_northern_mam, Instagram 

Big up Russell for looking after himself to be able to care for his old man. We could all take a lesson or two from Russell! What a geezer!

@callum.s01, Instagram 

Final insult 

I am not a major football fan and only watch the big tournaments. Like millions of people around the world I have been swept up by the passion and community spirit that World Cup football can deliver. 

Watching the final, I felt a sense of despair as sports men who are highly regarded for their skills pushed, shoved, grabbed and kicked in their effort to win the World Cup for their country. It seemed to me that the so-called ‘beautiful game’ had turned into a brawl.

The half-time show was diverse and a celebration of unity and love – full of optimism and happiness. But the game! It is very sad that youngsters around the world see grown men behave in this way. How can we teach young people that it is not good to get angry and be violent when this is openly displayed in football? I am left with a bitter feeling that instead of football helping to unite people, it created more negative associations and examples of how not to play. 

Shian Randall

Welcome sign 

The recent statement from the new prime minister to look at this country’s association with Israel is a welcome sign. For decades Palestinians have subjected to inhumane living conditions that would not be accepted under any circumstances by anyone in this country. Have we really reached the stage where trade is more important than the innocent lives of men, women and children, or are we too afraid of upsetting Donald Trump? Our lack of action in this matter means we are just as complicit.

Michael Tolland

Read more:

• London’s data centres use 750,000 homes’ worth of electricity. It’s bad news for the housing crisis
• How nuclear bunkers could save the internet: ‘An appropriate metaphor for the climate crisis’
• From aubergines to data centres: Here’s what’s going to happen in 2026

Plant the seed 

In response to the letter on veganism, the writer makes good points with regard to the positive impact of eating plant-based alternatives. The meat and dairy industry drive the vast majority of food-related greenhouse gases, and with 80 billion animals killed globally each year for food, and over one trillion fish, we can all make kinder and more sustainable choices. 

I became vegan in 2018, when I saw the reality of animal farming, and how animals are exploited. All animals deserve our respect. Please consider watching Dominion on YouTube or Cowspiracy and Seaspiracy on Netflix.

Jody Fitzgerald, Leeds

Not the same 

Martin Lowe in his letter likens the EU with the UK Royal Family. Er, not exactly comparing apples with apples! I believe all members of the royal family pay tax and NI employer contributions in respect of their staff, as well as generating huge amount of income through tourism and the like (even fanatical republicans grudgingly admit the amount is hundreds of millions of pounds a year). 

EU tax-free salaries make landlords rich in Brussels, Strasbourg and Luxembourg. And their pensions are tax free too. Doubles all round!

Christopher Richardson  

Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about this? Get in touch and tell us more. 

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