10/01/05

People forget that, in the recent past, disputes over resources have led to wars. The founders of the EU were determined to establish an organisation where disputes can be settled without the use of force. This is a big plus for the EU.

The aim of establishing efficient markets, where prices do not vary widely, has largely been achieved thus promoting trade and creating jobs. The EU has to have an organisation to bring this about. This organisation costs the equivalent of the spending of a county council in the UK. The economic gains from the workings of the EU far outweigh the cost of running it.

The sceptics should note that Norway is prepared to pay the "entry fee" to gain the benefits without being a member. The UK economy that is increasingly dependant on EU trade is much better off being in the position to have a say in how things are run.

The additions to the Union caused the members to review the four main treaties through which it operates. It is much like a club that, having developed over time, finds itself with four sets of rules. Members find themselves having to take regard of bits from each set in order to make things work. Sensibly, they decided to bring all the rules together. The material situation has not changed but it is more easily understood and workable. This is the case with the Constitutional Treaty that we will have a vote on early in 2006.

Those who are using over-simplified arguments to get a No vote want us to withdraw from the Union. Yes, we could exist outside the Union but with a lower level of national income. - Bill Morehead, Darlington.

IS it not time to end the basking in glory of this country in the Second World War?

The two great Anglo Saxon nations of Germany and the UK, who are very similar because of our heritage, should now forget all about the last war.

Now it is time for the two nations to become the powerhouses of Europe and develop close ties so we never clash on the battlefield again.

I have several business ties with Germany and I have found the German people very courteous and well mannered and it is by far the biggest market place for the UK in Europe, so closer ties in business will benefit both countries. - Rob Richardson, Bishop Auckland.

LOCAL DEMOCRACY

IN a recent letter, Julia Bowles stated "fulfilling their responsibilities to both their party and local residents" when referring to councillors' duties.

It would very interesting to know which they put first. Their party or their residents.

I would also like comments on who is better placed to represent residents' views, opinions and concerns - a ward councillor who is in touch with them on a daily basis or the views of a community council which meets only every six weeks and is always very under-attended? - Joan McTigue, Independent Councillor, Middlesbrough.

THE QUEEN

THE Queen's Christmas Message concerned tolerance of different cultures, races and religions.

Isn't this a bit hypocritical, coming from a monarch who forbids any member of her family to marry a Roman Catholic?

Isn't this a wee two-faced, coming from a monarch whose family is the embodiment of harmful class divisions in our society?

Isn't this a jot insincere, coming from a monarch who shows little inclination to accept coloureds into her family, since, under the present system, the head of state will inevitably come from a white family?

Isn't this a mite rich, coming from a monarch whose famous ancestor, Henry VIII, executed 72,000 religious and political opponents during his reign (the equivalent of four people a day)?

I have no doubt the Queen should consider an alternative theme for Christmas Day 2005. What about the spectre of crime? - Aled Jones, Bridlington.

Weardale RAILWAY

IT would be helpful if Councillor Mews (HAS, Jan 5) and other Weardale councillors could get behind the Weardale Railway Project, especially during the current difficult period.

The project has captured the imagination and attraction of many. It has enhanced the area he serves and brought much-needed benefit and revenue to the area, recently blighted by closed-down industry.

To date, the work of the project has been outstanding. The participation of volunteers and organisations has bred an enthusiasm that deserves professional and wholehearted support from industry and the local community.

I have supported the scheme through providing serving prisoners to work as part of a restorative justice project.

The team needs a realistic professional business plan, and that plan should reflect the benefits to the local community and the North-East in general.

I therefore urge all concerned to support the project, both practically and vocally. It is a fairly unique project for this country and worthy of your support. - David Thompson, formerly Governor of HMP & YOI Low Newton.

FARMING

IT is very good news to see that our local hospital is to source its milk from a local organic farm. It is equally good to read your Comment (Echo, Jan 4) on breaking supermarkets' stranglehold.

Some imports come from countries with scant regard for the environment or animal welfare and have never heard of a minimum wage.

British consumers can counteract the drastic short term policy of exposing its farming industry to these cheaper less accredited products by looking out for "the little red tractor" logo, which is only used on British products that meet the strict requirements of the British food standard.

These standards bring together assurance schemes achieved by British farmers at no little expense and meet exacting criteria which covers food safety and hygiene, animal welfare and environmental regulations.

It should be remembered that to quote the independent Food Standards Agency, "on the basis of current evidence, the Agency's assessment is that organic food is not significantly different in terms of food safety and nutrition from food produced conventionally".

Be it an organic or conventional "little red tractor" it makes sense to buy British. - John Heslop, Gainford.