Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir, The decision by the Scottish Government in the budget to provide additional support to capital projects, with an additional £750 million to 2014-15, is to be welcomed as a means to accelerate economic recovery and create jobs.
Despite savage cuts to Scotland’s capital budget by Westminster, Scottish Government-supported spending will grow over the next three years, targeting investment in roads, hospitals, housing and the new Forth Road Bridge.
It will stimulate growth.
Carefully targeted infrastructure spending continues to deliver projects that will make the most difference for the economy and our communities.
And the results of these measures are there for all to see Scottish unemployment has fallen, whereas in the rest of the UK it continues to rise. Scotland now has the highest employment rate of any UK nation.
The UK Government must take note of recent IMF warnings and look to the economic strategy being pursued in Scotland as a template to kick start a stagnating economy and ward off the real danger of a fall back into recession.
Alex Orr.Flat 2,77 Leamington Terrace,Edinburgh.
Evidence was in short supply
Sir, In his letter (September 21), which continues the current debate on marriage, Daryl Watson states: ”Research shows that the social outcomes for children of married parents are better than those for children of non-married parents.”
No further details are given as to what these social outcomes actually are, and by how much they differ between the children of married and non-married parents.
Could Daryl let myself and other readers know where we can find details of the research and who carried out the study?
It would also be helpful if in future other correspondents could give details of their sources when quoting facts and research. This information can only help to stimulate and inform ongoing debate.
Craig Borland.53 Millgate,Friockheim.
Human Rights Act is one-sided
Sir, Dr David Flynn is quite right to question how it is that Islamic terrorists, ill-mannered protesters who abuse our hospitality, and those who encourage them are allowed to remain in Britain.
The answer is loony left political correctness and the gloriously one-sided Human Rights Act.
Sending these ne’er-do-wells back where they came from would breach their human rights, especially if they have been here some time and have family here.
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg accused the Conservative Party of wanting to water down the Human Rights Act.
Frankly, it does not need watering down. It needs repealing in its entirety. This certainly will not happen if Nick Clegg has anything to do with it, as he made his position on the Human Rights Act clear in the same speech when he said: ”In words of one syllable: it is here to stay”.
That could not be clearer, and it makes certain where my vote will not be going at the next election.
(Capt) Ian F. McRae.17 Broomwell Gardens,Monikie.
Freedoms at the core of society
Sir, The final sentence in Dr David Flynn’s letter (September 22) illustrates that he needs to do some joined-up thinking.
It is precisely because of the freedoms which are at the core of British society that people whose views he may disagree with, or find morally repugnant, are allowed to live here and express those views, as long as they do not break the law.
The alternative is to establish an arbitrary concept of what is and is not acceptable behaviour as where, for example, we incarcerate or deport those who believe people should be deported for expressing views they dislike.
Steve Dron.Muirfield Crescent,Dundee.
Squirrel needs to get matey
Sir, I was interested to read in The Courier (September 22) that a councillor in north-east Fife objected to a plan for housing because the proposed site is home to one red squirrel.
One objection was that if this development went ahead, the squirrel ”could possibly become extinct.”
It certainly will do if it is the only one in the area.
Would it not be more sensible to find that single squirrel and put it back where it will meet other red squirrels?
Mona Clark,9 Millbay Terrace,Dundee.
Get involved: to have your say on these or any other topics, email your letter to letters@thecourier.co.uk or send to Letters Editor, The Courier, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL.