Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir, Rhetoric versus reality sums up the political behaviour of David Cameron.
In 2007 he ”promised” to ”keep pushing for that referendum (on the Lisbon Treaty) campaign for a no vote”. He ”promised a cast-iron guarantee of a referendum”. However, before the last election he reneged.
In 2006 another piecrust ”promise”. ”To abolish the Human Rights Act and put a new British Bill of Rights Act in its place”. Today, not an iota of change with asylum seekers, illegal immigrants, criminals and every conman still living the life of Larry under the unabolished Human Rights Act.
Bogus colleges, over-staying foreign visitors, fake marriages are not being as promised ”clamped down on”.
In 2008 Cameron ”promised” to restore tax relief for married couples. So far, not a cheep.
In 2007 another ”promise”. ”When we win the Election our first task is to set up a lifeboat for company pensions” not a cheep.
In 2007 playing for the first-time buyers’ vote a ”promise”. ”We are going to cut stamp duty to show that we’re on their side”. So far the only beneficiaries are multiple homeowners.
Alastair Harper.House of Gask,Lathalmond,by Dunfermline.
Needs to be reassessed
Sir, Given the huge financial pressures we now face, the Royal Society of Edinburgh is entirely right to urge the Scottish Government to reassess its spending priorities more fundamentally.
Cutting affordable housing budgets by a third and the capital budget for health projects by more than half over the next three years will not help to build the sustainable recovery Scotland’s economy needs. Nor will it help deliver long-term career opportunities for the 25,000 modern apprentices the Scottish Government is pledged to support each year.
As the RSE rightly points out, restructuring Scottish Water would free up a substantial sum of money which I would argue should be reinvested in priority areas of capital investment.
The Scottish Government has earmarked direct loans to Scottish Water worth £440 million over the next three years. Reinvesting this money to bolster the Government’s capital budget would support skills, jobs and capacity in Scotland’s strategically important construction industry, while creating a lasting legacy in the shape of the core infrastructure our economy needs for future growth.
Michael Levack.Chief Executive.Scottish BuildingFederation,Crichton House,Edinburgh.
Second-class school slight
Sir, I was pleased to see work had commenced on the ”21st century” Auchmuty High School in Glenrothes.
A pity, therefore, that Fife Council officials seem determined to foist on the children of St Andrews and area a second-class refurbished secondary school.
Robert Thomson.35 Lindsay Gardens,St Andrews.
Impressed with smooth changes
Sir, Apart from being a bit bewildered the first Friday it changed, I am most impressed with the planning of what is a most ambitious Waterfront project in Dundee and at how smoothly the complicated changes have been implemented.
It will be fabulous once completed. Well done to all responsible
Alice Lowes.28 Rossie Avenue,Broughty Ferry,Dundee.
Thank you Mr Moore!
Sir, Scottish Secretary Mr Moore states the Scottish Government must explain a £41 billion oil deficit (October 25).
Funnily enough, Scotland’s current share of UK national debt is approximately £60 billion. That means an independent Scotland would currently be £19 billion better off, according to the Scotland Office’s own figures.
To put it another way, the UK has burdened each and every Scot with additional debt equivalent to £3,800! Thank you Mr Moore for further reassuring Scots that independence is most certainly the right road.
Henry Malcolm.331 Clepington Road,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.