Letters: May 10, 2016

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'In-siders' aren't right

IN HIS excellent letter “Leave the EU – and TTIP” Henry Smith wrote “Voting leave on June 23 is not throwing anything out, it is regaining our full sovereignty”, and I support that call.

Mr Smith is also correct to point out that there are massive differences between Europe and The European Union; the terms are far from interchangeable although it suits the ‘in-siders’ to pretend they are.

What has not yet been admitted by the “little Englander in-siders”, who do not think we are good enough to stand alone, are the perils of voting ‘in’.

These include the loss of our rebate, meaning it will be many times more expensive to be members, loss of our NHS to be replaced by an American-style health service (ie. only if you’re rich enough), loss of our military (the EU’s “Common Defence Policy”), loss of food standards leading to “unsafe, contaminated and toxic foods” (TTIP leaflet published by War On Want) and (same leaflet) a removal of teaching standards meaning lower, or no qualifications will be required by teachers.

And if that is not enough there is the comment from German Green MEP Rebecca Harms on April 12 that “the mob” (sic), as she called the electorate, should not have the power to overturn decisions by EU Commissioners, a call repeated on Friday by EU President Jean Claude Juncker.

Voting ‘in’ will see democracy swept away. Anyone doubting that must also explain the enforced replacement of a Greek and Italian politician, both elected on “anti-EU tickets”, by non-elected pro-EU alternatives sympathetic to Brussels, and an ignoring of a 61 per cent majority vote against Brussels by the Netherlands, refusal to accept referenda results in Denmark, France and Southern Ireland along with several others.

The list of dangers of staying ‘in’ goes on and on. Voting ‘in’ might be the last democratic decision you ever make.

You might be happy to live under an EU dictatorship, but my guess is most won’t be.

GREG HEATHCLIFFE

Okus Road, Swindon

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History repeats itself

BEFORE the stay in the EU believers convince you, please look at history and the years 1938/39 just before the Second World War.

The events bear an uncanny similarity and terrify me.

The two main opposing countries are the same – Germany and Great Britain.

The two main opponents Merkel, forceful (even against other members of the EU). Cameron weak and all for “appeasement" at any cost.

Neville Chamberlain was known for his policy of appeasement to Nazi Germany and Hitler.

In 1938 Chamberlain went to Germany and signed the Munich Pact with Hitler. This pact agreed that parts of Czechoslovakia were German territory. Chamberlain flew back to the UK and when he emerged from the plane he waved a piece of paper in the air and said: “Peace in our time.”

Sounds familiar doesn’t it? Cameron came back (no treaty signed and no piece of paper) and said: “I have obtained concessions from the EU for an emergency break on benefits.”

Not yet agreed to be included in the EU treaty and will be voted on... guess when. After the EU referendum in the UK.

In March 1939 Germany broke the Munich Pact and invaded Czechoslovakia on September 1, 1939. It was only then Britain declared war on Germany.

Think about it and draw your own conclusions.

DN SIMPSON

Graham Street, Swindon

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Thanks for your votes

I’D LIKE to take this opportunity to thank all Swindon residents who voted in the local council elections last week.

Thank you in particular to all to who took the time to vote in Liden, Eldene and Park South. I am honoured to serve you for another term as one of your local councillors.

I will continue to do all I can to fight any further cuts in Swindon, with children’s centres gone we need to do all we can to maintain our libraries.

Alongside council meetings and dealing with your concerns I have always been active in the community.

You are all welcome to join me on the litter pick with Eldene Residents’ Association on Saturday, May 14 at 11am. Meet at ‘the beach’ in front of Eldene Community Centre.

Please do invite me along to any events you are holding too.

You can keep in touch at our regular surgeries or on the phone 07952350656/email leps@southswindonlabour.co.uk.

Many thanks once again.

FAY HOWARD

Councillor Liden, Eldene & Park South

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Shame on the PCC

ANGUS McPherson says “people do not realise the scope and responsibility of” the PCC role.

Well who is responsible for that? The purpose of the PCC as originally advertised was to act as a form of bridge allowing citizens to have some input into policing.

Instead, we seem to have someone with the communication skills of a Trappist monk wearing Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak.

The PCC should feel ashamed that 3,500 electors spoiled their ballots in protest while how many others could not even bring themselves to vote?

Mr Macpherson needs to be much more visible and must engage with the public if he is not to be viewed as another Tory riding the gravy train.

GUY GREEN

Old Town, Swindon

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Lost kitten is rescued

BRUNO the lost kitten involved in an accident on the M4 is finally found – great news for Hussein Sharaf and well done to Lee Palmer for finding him.

I lost my cat when the carrier popped open on a dark night; missing for more than three weeks.

I just want the public to know that cats don’t venture far if they get lost – they are so frightened.

Use your seat belt through pet carrier handles in the car; it also saves loss and even a pet’s life.

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED