Sir, – Regarding the continuing arguments about the positive and negative effects of EU membership, the problem with the political elite in the UK is their lack of vision beyond the end of next month.
The major issue in the UK (and Scotland, which thus far has been protected from the worst effects of immigration) is the fact that several EU member states, and most of those applying to join, have much worse- performing economies and much worse general living standards than those of the UK and the original EU member states.
Imagine, therefore, the effect of yet more EU membership expansion on UK immigration numbers and the further strains to be endured by our health, education and housing services.
We are very proud of the introduction of minimum wage levels, while refusing to acknowledge that such legislation is a honey- pot to potential migrants earning a pittance in their home countries.
It is simply not sustainable that, 20 years from now, we may have enlarged the European Union by more than 200 million people, all carrying EU passports, and all entitled to travel to the UK as and when they may wish. The free movement policy of the EU is unfixable.
And the sly self- interests of our EU neighbouring states will override any potential UK objection to expanded membership.
We are all fools if we allow ourselves to be taken in by the soothing statements of politicians who themselves have no experience at all in the reality of life in the poorer economies of Europe.
Derek Farmer.
Knightsward Farm,
Anstruther.
Pain will be worth the gain
Sir, – Regarding the EU referendum, I will vote for the option that enables us to tackle the problems that do not get mentioned in debates.
They are declining workforce quality due to upbringing, poor education and attitude, increasing demands on the NHS due to poor diet, obesity and lack of cheap, good housing.
Together, they mean our public finances are in a ruinous state due to the number on welfare, labour mobility is skewed by scarcity of accommodation and its cost and we need immigrants to sustain a workforce, so we are uncompetitive.
Add to that social and labour legislation, energy policy, agriculture and fishing and I have to conclude that we would fare better if this was back in control of a competent UK and Scottish Government and a population who accept the challenges and the need to graft. But this means a few years of economic volatility and high interest rates.
Allan Sutherland.
1 Willow Row,
Stonehaven.
Brexit will ruin British economy
Sir, – The benefits of belonging to the largest transnational trading block in a globalised world are indisputable; the advantages of leaving in terms of red tape, migrants or having more to spend on domestic priorities are problematic. In fact the most compelling reason for immigration falling in the event of Brexit is that the British economy will tank.
Dr John Cameron.
10 Howard Place,
St Andrews.
Discrimination against Angus
Sir, – It was a cocktail of dismay and anger that befell me when I read the latest letter from Angus Council informing me of its intention to charge for garden waste collection.
As an octogenarian and having worked hard to help and support my community all of my life, it seems that the elected governing body of this community is doing all it can to make my life more difficult.
When this scheme was first put in place it made perfect sense from an environmental standpoint but there was no mention of it ever being chargeable. I assumed that this service was included in the council tax.
I live a few miles away from a recycling centre which is only reachable by car. Has no thought been given to the environmental impact of all these people that do not take part in the scheme having to drive back and forth?
Like many other charges, could this cost not be in line with others where pensioners are subsidised?
It also really worries me that further costs will be incurred in the future for other waste collection.
I question this decision being viable given all the costs and time involved in administration for set up and ongoing management, especially as there will be no change to the routes of the lorries.
Why, also, is it only Angus that are charging for this?
I feel that we are being discriminated against given that Dundee and Perth are not being charged.
SK Garland.
Loch of Liff Road,
Liff.
Safety role of parking site
Sir, – I hope Fife Council realises that the field nominated for a commuter car park has been a safety area between the airfield and Leuchars railway station.
During the Second World War, a Wellington bomber crashed in the field, exploding on impact.
In the 1950s or ’60s, a senior officer took his Vampire jet up to see what the area looked like but ran into trouble.
He crashed into this area, rather than hit the station.
The council should also check the route of the refuelling pipeline that was installed in the 1960s or ’70s.
Charles Wilson.
King’s Road,
Rosyth.
Remarkable Norie-Miller
Sir, – Your Impact 200 series described Francis Norie-Miller as the founder of the General Accident Fire and Life Assurance Corporation.
In actual fact he joined the company in 1887, two years after it was formed in 1885, having been head-hunted from another company.
There is no doubt, however, that it was his genius that helped build the company into the worldwide organisation it became.
When I joined the life company as a teenage junior accountant in 1942, it was his custom, the first working day of the new year, to go round every department with a deputation from the top management, to convey best wishes and to shake hands with every member of staff.
He was a truly remarkable man.
Bob Macdonald.
Craiglinn,
Abernethy.
Let R&A pay for extension
Sir, – May I applaud Councillor Bill Bowles and all the other councillors who supported him in his stand against the SNP-led council’s proposed white elephant at the starter’s box at Carnoustie golf courses?
If, as it has been suggested, the R&A would look favourably on the development and this would help bring the Open back to Carnoustie, let the R&A pay for it as no doubt its members will be the predominant users when the event is on, every eight years.
Who will support the development during the other years when the Open does not visit, especially between October and April?
Perhaps any money wasted on this project should have been put towards keeping recycling centres open in Angus.
Maybe if we had more independent politicians looking after the people they represent the country would be in better shape.
I have been a resident of Carnoustie for the past 47 years and if it was not for the cost of some of the things proposed by Angus Council, it would be laughable.
Thomas G. Mitchell.
7 Links Avenue,
Carnoustie.
Disgraceful scare tactics
Sir, – I have just received an electoral communication of stunning crassness.
The sole argument this leaflet advances is, and I quote in full: “Don’t let Farage speak for you.”
If frightening Scots with a bogeyman is the best that Scotland Stronger in Europe can do, is it any wonder that so many are now turning to support the Leave campaign?
Otto Inglis.
6 Inveralmond Grove,
Edinburgh.