21/04/2004

MPs, like many of us, have two jobs, work very hard and pay into private pension schemes to ensure comfort in their retirement.

Anyone living on the state pension has not planned for the future and as a result is at the mercy of the state with only themselves to blame.

As for fighting in two world wars to ensure democracy and freedom, I can promise the elderly of this country that if called upon my generation would do the same.

The difference is I'd make sure I continued my investment in a healthy pension scheme while I did so. - William Fisher, Darlington.

HOUSING MARKET

WHY not legislate to stop these property barons filling affordable homes with buy to let investment tactics?

If first time buyers can't get into the market, why not allow housing agencies the first chance to buy instead of greedy speculators on new build properties?

Another option could be to make the speculators reside in the premises or face a punitive level of taxation, ie capital gains. - NA Hales, Darlington.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

MAY I congratulate T Foster on his common sense contribution (HAS, Apr 9) which emphasises the shortcomings of our electoral system.

Local government is a multi-million pound concern, affecting the lives of us all, yet those claiming the right to administer it only have the support of a minority of the electorate.

The vast majority of those who decline to use their vote do so because they haven't any confidence in the candidates put before them. They've been offered Hobson's Choice.

Their position is tantamount to being asked the question: would you prefer to be shot rather than hung?

This present flawed system of assessing public opinion often sees candidates being elected against the opinions of the majority and there's very little they can do about it.

Why, on our ballot papers aren't we allowed the option of outright objection to specific candidates?

These rejections should be balanced against votes of acceptance.

This is the 21st century, isn't it time our antiquated electoral system was brought up to date/ It's only the 'I'm all right Jacks' who want to maintain the status quo.

As for proportional representation, without it you can't have a truly democratic society. - AW Dunn, Spennymoor.

IDENTITY CARDS

I SINCERELY hope that the Government will not insist on squandering our taxes on a costly idea which has no guarantee of success and which will deprive us of more liberties forever.

The Director of Justice told a Law Society debate on identity cards: "The current technology is flawed, the benefits speculative, practical hurdles huge, cost high and the culture of English speaking common law countries uniformly hostile to such an imposition on the privacy of citizens."

The demand started after September 11, despite the fact that all the hijackers had identity documents to get into the US. It continues with the Madrid bombings despite the fact that Spain has an identity card system.

The Law Society itself has raised concerns. These include the effectiveness of the scheme on combating fraud; political violations of human rights and civil liberties; data protection issues; the cost of the scheme to individuals and the practical difficulties of starting and running the scheme.

Despite this and the opposition from some cab,inet ministers, the Home Secretary is pressing ahead. Even the Information Commissioner has substantial reservations.

If anyone wants to reflect on the permanent nature of change in society short term security measures bring, just look at the filth on the streets of London.

Rubbish bins were removed years ago because of fears of IRA bombs. They have never been put back. - Robin Ashby, Gosforth.

ST GEORGE'S DAY

I WONDER if members of the National Front would be so keen to celebrate St George's Day on Friday if they realised that England's patron saint was born in eastern Turkey and buried in Palestine?

With their vile views and racist policies, they would certainly not embrace St George if he travelled to these shores today.

Which all makes a mockery of Northumbria Police's disgraceful decision to allow these undesirables to march through Newcastle's city centre on Saturday on the pretext of celebrating St George's Day.

It is also interesting to note St George is not entirely exclusive to England either - he is the patron saint of Aragon, Catalonia, Georgia, Lithuania, Palestine, Portugal, Germany and Greece; and of Moscow, Istanbul, Genoa and Venice.

He is also revered as a patron of soldiers, farmers, scouts, butchers, horse riders and those plagued by illnesses ranging from leprosy to syphilis.

I shall be celebrating St George's Day with gusto, not least because of the multi-cultural society he represents and it also happens to be my birthday! - Yvonne Ridley, European candidate for RESPECT, County Durham.

EMPLOYMENT

HOW long is it going to be before action is taken to stop firms transferring jobs to countries where labour costs are a fraction of those in Britain, leaving British workers without work?

The former Eastern bloc countries of Poland and Slovakia are to 'benefit' from a move by Terry's of York. All the firms that have made this move are callously exploiting the work forces of these impoverished countries. It is reminiscent of the working conditions endured by people during the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century.

Workers for these firms in Slovakia are earning less than £20 a week and endure barbaric working conditions. Absence through illness leads to dismissal and breaks are forbidden.

Slavery was abolished, but is making a comeback. - D Brearley, Middlesbrough.

EDUCATION

AS children head back to school to begin the new term, minds will be turning to the coming SATs. So, instead of starting the summer term thinking about sports day and other outdoor activities, children as young as six and seven will be anticipating these tests.

Meanwhile, teachers will be trying to do revision without worrying their pupils and parents will struggle not to add to the tension.

Is this a useful way for so many people to spend their time and does it give us what we want from our education system?

Last week the Green Party called for an end to standardised tests in schools because SATs put unnecessary pressure on children. They are an unwelcome distraction since tests worry children and make it more difficult for them to concentrate on their education.

Many parents and teachers are coming to agree with this and it is time the Government listened. - Pam Woolner, Green Party European Election Candidate, Chopwell.