Sir, The recent announcement that the EU wants an extra 2.1 thousand million euros from the UK was presented in shock horror terms, as if sudden demands for more money were new. In fact the EU has played this game a few times already.
In the last two years the EU seems to have lost control over its own expenditure and then bounced the member states into paying for major cost overruns. Already in 2012/2013 the UK’s net contribution to the EU budget was 2.7 thousand million euros more than originally planned.
The media are giving the impression that Prime Minister Cameron is aghast at the EU’s pressure for more money and that he will resist. He has probably already conceded that while the UK will not pay up on December 1 (as the commission would like), it will pay up in due course as long as the figure is rounded down by a few hundred millions.
It should surprise no one, David Cameron does not understand that appeasing playground bullies only encourages them to try again.
As long as we are politically attached to the EU, it is probable these demands will keep coming. The only solution is to say enough is enough and regain our sovereignty as a truly independent nation, free from EU interference.
The truth is that the UK’s contribution to the EU Budget has more than doubled since 2009, the last full year before Cameron became Prime Minister, indeed it is possible that in 2015 the net cost will be treble its 2009 level.
The 2014 Pink Book, the annual publication from the Office of National Statistics on the UK’s balance of payments, was due out yesterday, and the page on the EU will attract more comment than usual. Watch out also for the 2014 European Finances White Paper, written at the Treasury.
George Cormack. McLauchlan Rise Aberdour.
UK is a natural fit for Scots
Sir, It is easy to dismiss Nicola Sturgeon’s demand for a Scottish veto on leaving the EU as just another SNP politician claiming that the tail should wag the dog (October 30). After all Texas has no veto on Washington, nor Bavaria on Berlin. However, Ms Sturgeon has helpfully high-lighted Scotland’s choice of futures: either the UK or the EU.
Immigration is at present uncontrollable. Outside the EU we could control the number and the quality of immigrants in the interests of the people already here.
Also, the EU is the cause of our mad energy policy, which pushes up our electricity bills, destroys jobs and will soon lead to frequent black outs and brown outs. The ruinous effects of the Euro deserve an entire book rather than a letter.
Scotland fits naturally into the UK we share our language, our island and our history. We also have a genuine single economy. We share none of these with our European neighbours. In the cold light of day, I have no doubt which future the majority of Scots would prefer.
Otto Inglis. Ansonhill, Crossgates.
Canvassing or forgetful?
Sir, I noted the concerns of Councillor Tom Adams, that Fife Council were spending £11,000 on a raised pedestrian crossing at Wellesley Road/Sandwell Street, Buckhaven (Courier, October 30).
I entirely agree with his comments, as this junction is virtually accident free and I am sure that this money could have been better spent on other road safety projects.
It was, however, very sad to learn that the same Councillor Adams, was chair of the council’s Levenmouth area committee which had approved the expenditure on this project at a meeting earlier this year.
Does Councillor Adams have a memory problem or did he think he should comment on this issue to raise his profile with the electorate? Whatever the reason, I hope this is not the start of canvassing for the next local council elections.
Jack Harley. 9 Mackie Crescent, Markinch.
Efficient and helpful staff
Sir, A recent correspondent wrote very critically of the service in his local Tesco store. While I know nothing of Tesco’s troubled financial concerns, I can truthfully say that I have always found the staff at Riverside Tesco, where I shop regularly, are invariably efficient, helpful and pleasant.
I have often commented to the family on how well-trained they must be: but it is the pleasant manner of the assistants which particularly impresses me.
Mrs H Lawrenson. 51 Bay Road, Wormit.
Impressed by Ninewells Sir, Having travelled down from the Aberdeen area to attend Ninewells Hospital, Dermatology Outpatient Department recently to have surgery on my face, I have to write to highlight the excellent service there.
From eight o’clock in the morning when I arrived at the outpatient department, till four in the afternoon when I was cleared to go home, the attention myself and other patients received was excellent.
The day was well organised and we were looked after with refreshments. Additionally, we were informed about what was going to happen and then given updated information at regular intervals.
Congratulations and thanks to everyone in that department for their teamwork, caring attitude and effectiveness and making it much less stressful.
Derek Johnstone. Glassel, Banchory.