Letters: December 28, 2016

Anonymity is granted only at the discretion of the editor, who also reserves the right to edit letters.

Suspend sale of arms

NO ONE who has seen the deeply distressing scenes from Yemen of starving children can fail to have been moved and appalled.

The war in Yemen, which has caused this further suffering in an already impoverished country, has complicated causes but the relentless air strikes by the Saudis are certainly making the situation worse.

I welcome the extra £37m which the Government has given in aid for Yemen but I remain very concerned that this welcome support is being undermined by the Government’s continued licensing of the sale of arms to Saudi Arabia.

The Arms Trade Treaty obliges the UK Government to suspend arms exports to a country where there is a risk that the arms will be used in violation of international humanitarian law.

Breaches of international humanitarian law have been alleged against all parties to the conflict, including Saudi Arabia.

The airstrike by the Saudi-led coalition on a funeral in October, which killed 140 people, is one of a number of instances that clearly show that Saudi Arabia are at risk of violating international humanitarian law. As such it is vital that our Government suspend arms exports immediately.

ROWENA QUANTRILL

Newtown, Bradford on Avon

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Look after your gut

IN MY years of helping people make lasting improvements to their health, I’ve seen how a focused resolution made up of achievable steps is the key to success.

Research from constipation treatment Dulcolax shows that while most (53 per cent) of us plan to make a New Year’s resolution for 2017, the vast majority (81 per cent) of us fail to keep our resolutions.

If trying to overhaul your health seems like a mammoth task this new year, optimising your gut health is a simple and effective way to improve your wellbeing.

Our gastrointestinal system, and particularly our gut flora, has a significant impact on the rest of our body – affecting everything from moods to weight.

Anyone who’s had even a minor problem with their digestion, like a bout of constipation, knows it can have a significant effect on how you feel. So, instead of setting yourself another unrealistic resolution that won’t last longer than the Christmas tree, take care of yourself by looking after your gut.

Instead of beating yourself up every time you reach for the biscuit tin or get the bus instead of walking, remember every day is an opportunity to take control of your health.

For lifestyle changes and tips for a healthy bowel and avoiding common issues like constipation visit www.myconstipationrelief.com.

KATE ARNOLD

Nutrition consultant

Offord Street, London

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Waiting in queue of one

I WENT to the post office in Wootton Bassett to pay my council tax. I paid with my card and asked the lady to take a certain amount.

When I arrived home, I realised that I had underpaid by £5, so I contacted the council tax department of Wiltshire Council. Pressed ‘Option 2’ and waited, “You are in a queue and are number........one”!.....(wait)......” We are sorry for the delay, we are experiencing a high volume of calls”.......(wait).....” You are in a queue and are number .......one” .....” We are sorry for the delay, we are experiencing a high volume of calls”...........” Hello...Council Tax”. Well 0 out of 10 for the ‘Greeting’ but once I asked for the advisers name, the gent was very helpful!

If a “high volume” of calls is, “You are in a queue and are Number....one”, goodness know what would happen if two or three people rang in – “Sorry for the delay, all systems have shut down... please write in and enclose a SAE for a reply.

I just have to add £5 to my next and final payment.

CHRIS GLEED

Proud Close, Purton

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Get rid of ambassadors

THERE was a recent picture of the Prime Minister arriving at a meeting in Brussels accompanied by the British Ambassador to the European Union – what purpose did he serve at the meeting?

This raises the question of why we need ambassadors to such an organisation or to the United Nations. Similarly, what function does the European Union office in London serve?

In times gone by the ambassador performed a useful function by providing a representative who could speak for his country and also afford assistance to fellow countrymen in difficulty. Now communications are so prolific that such a post is no longer needed.

Ministers can now speak to foreign ministers within moments and certainly within Europe face-to-face meetings require only a flight of a few hours.

There is still a need for a government official to be available for citizens requiring assistance in a foreign country but this surely does not warrant the appointment of a full blown ambassador. Consuls, honorary or otherwise, could fulfil this function.

As we are faced with the need to cut back on expenditure this would seem to be an area where savings could be made.

GEOFFREY RICHARDS

Ashton Road, Hilperton, Trowbridge

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We are living in fear

HOW much longer will the silly left-wing bleat that opinions from Nigel Farage caused the death of a Labour MP, and that Brexit created UK Race hate, and encouraged terrorism by questioning immigration issues regarding mainly Muslims travelling throughout Europe.

What I want to know is how is this once harmonious country whose citizens are now living in fear of daily terrorism, going to overcome such increased threats from 2017?

And with so many immigrants now known to the UK authorities with criminal activity, why does the current Home Secretary not just sign more Deportation Orders?

COUN PHILIP WINTER (UKIP)

Southmead Road, Filton Park, Filton, South Gloucestershire