Gord help us keep the Union together
1:22pm Wednesday 25th January 2012 in Your Say
When, in 1999, the Labour Party, supported by the Liberal Democrats, advocated devolution for Scotland in the referendum campaign, they said it would strengthen the Union and kill off separatism.
The SNP backed them on the grounds that it was in fact the first step to full independence.
Thirteen years on, with the SNP entrenched in power in Edinburgh, and an independence referendum looming, it is not difficult to see who was right.
The Conservatives rightly opposed devolution as liable to weaken the Union, but sadly lost the vote.
The Prime Minister, putting the national interest first, has reiterated his support for the Union, but a successful all-party campaign in Scotland against independence will require a heavyweight Scottish leader from the Labour Party to combat the political skill and ruthlessness of Alex Salmond.
Alistair Darling, a decent and honourable man, has been suggested but, being modest and somewhat lacking in charisma, doubts his suitability.
This is a task for semi-retired ex-PM Gordon Brown, who was fond of extolling the virtues of Britishness in his Downing Street years.
Although heartily disliked in England, Mr Brown remains popular north of the border, achieving a large swing in his constituency in the 2010 Election.
In 2008, he claimed to have saved the world during the economic crisis, so he should surely be able to save his native Scotland from an impoverished future under Mr Salmond.
He has a golden opportunity here to serve both country and party by bringing his career to a triumphant conclusion.
Charles Linfield Bakers Road, Wroughton
Calling pianists
The Swindon Youth Piano Festival is staged at the Arts Centre on Tuesday, April 17. This year we are hoping to encourage even more young people, of any age, to perform.
We have got international pianist Paul Turner lined up to deliver a pre talk/masterclass at the Arts Centre at 5.30pm.
Tickets to watch the event are now on sale priced £5 from the Arts Centre Box Office tel 01793 614837.
There is still time to register to take part. Print out and return the application form which can be downloaded from our dedicated arts web site www.commonwealarts.co.uk/news.htm Josie Williams Community Arts Development Officer, Commonweal School Old Town, Swindon
Think of fallen
British communities which lost men, and some women, in World War One have left us a legacy – a stock of thousands of war memorials which take many forms and represent a large range of architectural styles.
Although many are in reasonable shape, many others are suffering through natural erosion, structural problems and, sadly, vandalism and theft.
These issues have come to the fore recently, as has the fact that in just under three years we shall begin marking the centenary of the “Great War” in 2014-2018.
Serious amounts of money, possibly in the form of a National War Memorial Restoration Fund, professional workmanship and a long-term commitment will be needed.
For more details visit www.clean2018.moonfruit.com.
Ray Thompson South View Avenue Brigg, Lincolnshire
pension facts
It was refreshing to read a letter from Steve Halden that wasn’t simply denigrating the EU, (RIP pensions January11). However, he doesn’t seem very well informed about the tax regime for company staff pension schemes.
My understanding is that the tax was levied on those so-called ‘funds’ that remained under company control where they could, and often were clawed back to meet adverse trading conditions or even, in some cases, to boost shareholder dividends. The tax did not apply to genuine funds, where the assets were vested in trustees beyond the reach of the contributing companies.
Whatever the truth, the Brown tax regulations, which the present Government has embraced, do not seem to have constrained the obscene, seven figure pensions enjoyed by the directors of many companies, including some that decimated employees’ pension prospects.
Don Reeve Okus Road, Swindon
