Whatever party gets in next has an absolutely huge task putting things right. At present, the country’s debt is massive, immigration out of control, taxes are rising so are all of our bills… when is enough enough?
Those responsible for the situation get away with being dreadful, unprofessional and out of touch. There is no consequence for those that fail the system. It’s criminal. The only winners are politicians that fill their pockets from taxpayers’ money while in power.
Paul_richo186, Instagram
Shed alert
Your feature on allotments reminded me of a recent conversation with an overseas visitor to this country. We were sharing a front seat on the top deck of the bus from Harrogate to Leeds, which affords a great view of the glorious countryside in between. As we approached Leeds, she peered out of the window and said, “Oh, I didn’t realise that you had shanty towns in England.” She was looking at a large site long occupied by allotment holders with their scratch-built sheds. When I explained, she thought it was a wonderful use of the land.
Maggie Cobbett, North Yorkshire
Colour coded
In England, the St George’s flag had fallen into almost complete desuetude until Euro ’96. Before that, the English regarded the Union flag as their national flag without complication. Look up the 1966 World Cup final.
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The present medieval revival began 30 years later. It predates devolution. It can be used to advantage. It was once a major focus of unity between Christians and Muslims in devotion to the patron saint of Palestine.
David Lindsay, County Durham
Save the Samaritans
I agree totally with Laura Cooke’s article about Samaritans. I was a volunteer for many years and only stopped two years ago due to personal circumstances. The plans will devastate the charity.
David Crispin
Murder, she wrote
Hope Reese’s book reveals an extraordinary tale of desperation. It certainly flips the script on domestic homicide. Murder, however, can never be considered a “message of hope”, as Reese asserts. Justice must always be found through alternative channels.
Stuart Burt, Brentford
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This cruelty needs to stop
I read your recent piece on pig farming, and while I appreciate the writer highlighting just how intelligent and personable these animals are, I want to address the plight of mother pigs specifically in the UK’s pig farming industry.
Most sows are kept indoors and endure multiple pregnancies during their lives. Pregnant sows are placed in incredibly confining crates – farrowing crates – shortly before giving birth and they remain in these restrictive crates for up to five weeks or more.
She is unable to turn around or move beyond lying down and standing up, sometimes with difficulty, as the crate is barely bigger than her own body. She cannot interact with or care for her piglets (beyond allowing them to suckle through bars).
The writer asks how consumers can support pig farmers, but I think the more prudent question is: how can the government support pig farmers to introduce higher welfare practices?
In Scotland at least, most residents support an end to the use of farrowing crates and 63% support the Scottish government assisting farmers to move from using farrowing crates to cage-free methods.
It’s time for governments to start the process of assisting farmers to phase out these cruel crates.
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Eve Massie Bishop, OneKind
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