YEP Letters: June 30

Ed would be an ideal candidate

A Shipman, Leeds 13

WHAT are the odds on former shadow Chancellor Ed Balls having more than a passing interest in standing for the vacant seat of Batley & Spen, following the tragic death of Jo Cox?

Mr Balls would be an ideal candidate, having previously held the neighbouring seat of Morley & Outwood, local connections are invaluable to being an MP nowadays, and Mr Balls would, undoubtedly, do a first class job, if elected.

Democracy should be listened to

Francesca Williamson, Leeds 8

the unedifying performance of Nigel Farage in the European Parliament following the referendum did little to promote the UK’s position in discussions with the EU.

That said, statements made by EU officials could make his reaction and posture understandable if not necessarily acceptable.

We are being told that the UK is to be treated harshly in its dealings with the EU to enable the uncoupling.

The treatment is to discourage Eurosceptics in other countries from demanding referendums in their own countries - to prevent “contagion”. What breathtaking arrogance this is. What a steel-shod jackboot stamped in the face of the people’s basic democratic rights.

Democracy is government of, by and for the people. We, the people, elect politicians to govern our nations in the manner of our choosing, not to rule in the manner of their choosing.

If there is a significant dismay and concern about the EU amongst the peoples of the EU’s sovereign constituent nations, then democracy demands it should be listened to and addressed, not supressed by the quite brutal application of executive power exercised by the EU’s unelected controllers.

If anyone had any doubt about the wisdom of voting for Brexit, then this undemocratic arrogance is the clearest indication we have ever had that the EU is the new Empire controlled by an undemocratic, unaccountable, self-perpetuating oligarchy intent on achieving its own ambitions despite any contrary views of the voting public and by any means, however unethical, outragious and unacceptable in any true democracy.

Backtracking on promises

N Bywater, Morley

At a time when both the main political parties are in meltdown, the Liberal Democrats have had a rush of new members, over 7,000 since the EU referendum.

The Liberal Democrats are a pro-EU party and welcome others of the same mind. The politicians who supported vote Leave are now backtracking on their unrealistic promises on reducing immigration and funding the NHS.

The realistic aims of the Leave campaign could have been achieved from within the EU, staying in the EU would have saved the UK from losing billions from the value of UK companies, avoiding the 30 year low of Sterling and the UK’s credit rating going from AAA to AA with a negative outlook.

What will be the outcome of the lies told by vote leave, we will find out later, when the Conservatives have elected a leader. Richard Branson is backing a second referendum, after millions were wiped off the value of his own companies.

Britain’s vote to leave the EU has unleashed global market turmoil and the FTSE 250, registered its biggest two-day loss since 1987, down more than 13 per cent.

We need to unite

Coun Robert Finnegan, Morley Borough Independent

It is important, following the results of the Referendum, that people on all sides come together to make sure the Brexit process is a success for the country.

There are many divisions that need to be healed and the result of the Referendum offers a positive opportunity to develop an outward looking and genuinely internationalist country making its own decisions on sovereignty – away from an unaccountable and unsympathetic European Union.

Although it is a journey that many are taking with some concerns, we need to unite as a nation to make sure the country becomes a more equal, prosperous and self-governing country. The opportunities are there and I am optimistic that

the Referendum provides us all with the option to rebuild a united country which everyone will be rightly proud of.

Deserters are out of touch

John Appleyard, Liversedge

The Labour Members of Parliament who are deserting Jeremy Corbyn are showing just how much they are out of touch, not only with the Labour Party membership, but also the voters.

These MPs have never accepted Jeremy as their leader even though the membership voted for him unanimously nine months ago.

On a daily basis they have leaked information to the media to try to discredit Jeremy.

They blame Corbyn for the 17 million plus who voted to come out of the EU which is nonsense. Jeremy travelled all over the country and spoke at meetings arguing the case for the EU, it was Alan Johnson MP who as chair of Labour in Britain led the campaign, so why aren’t these MPs pointing the finger at him?

Throughout the country Labour Party members were active in their constituencies with pro EU leaflets and holding stalls where discussions could be made with the public.

These MPs have failed to understand the anger and hostility that voters have in their own constituencies against the EU and are left looking out of touch with their own electorate.

One final thought: postal votes landed on people’s doorsteps on May 28 – 
almost four weeks before the election which meant that many voted before hearing the arguments.

Favouring the underdog

F Ward, Leeds 8

For the last 50 years, through good times and bad, I have followed Leeds United at 
Elland Road, so I can’t be accused of not liking 
football.

However after the poor showing of the England team in the Euros, it’s obvious that these players who are drawn from just eight or nine Premier League teams aren’t up to the job.

I suppose they are the 
best available at the 
moment but considering 
there are 92 teams in the English League this can hardly be said to represent English football.

The weekly wage bill for these overpaid, pampered players is probably about £1m-£2m, more than many league teams are worth.

I am sure that a player 
from a lower league would play for his country with much more pride than some of the present team.

I know that I’m looking at life through rose-coloured spectacles, but until there is a Leeds player in the national team I shall continue to favour the underdog.

What could go wrong?

Neil Aspland, Pontefract

We have voted to leave the EU on the strength of Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage’s belief that Britain will become great again.

We only have about twenty civil servants who know how to negotiate trade deals, but we’re going to need hundreds. And Donald Trump has given us his backing. What could possibly go wrong?

Keep pets safe in the heat

Fiona Pereira, Campaing Manager, Animal Aid

With the arrival of warmer weather, we should be reminded that animals can suffer and die.

Dogs die in hot cars (even if the sun is not shining) and should not be left in them even for short periods.Other animals suffer, too. Rabbits must not be left in the glaring sun or inside a sweltering garage or shed. They need a cool, shady place where air circulates and where they are able to move freely.

A hot rabbit can be kept cool by applying cold water gently to his ears.