11/12/03

Israel was declared an independent state in May 1948. It is true that between 1948 and 1973 a state of war did exist largely because Israel refused to accept UN resolutions. Resolution 242 of 1967 spelled out the obligation of all parties to work for a just and lasting peace, to drop all belligerent claims, to let go all territorial acquisitions, and settle the refugee problem. Resolution 338 of 1973 reaffirmed those demands.

There are still marked feelings of hostility among neighbouring Arabs because Israel remains stubbornly unprepared to recognise Palestinian basic rights and accord them fair treatment. But there is no state of war.

There have been numerous peace conferences: Camp David 1978, Madrid 1991, Oslo 1992, Cairo in 1994, 1998, 2001 and negotiations continue to find 'road maps', and peaceful programmes acceptable to all parties as an end to violence and discrimination.

The Middle East remains volatile and complex. Extremists on all sides make the business of peacemaking difficult and dangerous.

Those prepared to understand rather than resort to name-calling can visit their local library or the UN website www.un.org. - David J Whittaker, Richmond.

RUGBY WORLD CUP

ALONG with millions of others I watched, on TV, the marvellous, and thoroughly deserved, victory parade for the England Rugby Union team following their wonderful achievement 'down under'.

The sea of flags and the cheering crowds in London, (estimated at about 750,000), echoed the pride we all felt in these heroes who took on the world's best, and won.

That this outpouring of acclaim by the people should be followed by a reception at Buckingham Palace in order that the Queen could add the thanks of a very proud head of state was genuinely moving.

It was saddening, however, that the proceedings should have been hijacked by Tony Blair and his cabal of quislings in waiting. To watch Mr Blair and his cronies basking in the reflected glory of real patriots was sickening in the extreme.

I say this because, within the next seven days, Mr Blair is due to sign the EU constitution which, at a stroke, renders the United Kingdom powerless to control its own affairs.

Given that Clive Woodward's stalwarts are all articulate and highly intelligent men, I sincerely hope one of the team asked Mr Blair: "Why do you so despise your country?" - Dave Pascoe, Press Secretary, Hartlepool Branch, UK Independence Party.

SCHOOL MEALS

I HAVE been a cook for 25 years. Yes we have seen a lot of changes over the years. But the children of today have changed too.

They have money to spend, so why not spend it in school. Would Alan Milburn rather they all left the school premises, and run the risk of being mugged, bullied or even worse run over, as we have seen on past occasions?

After all, healthy eating should be started at home surely. Healthy eating is encouraged in most schools. But as the saying goes: "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink." - Name and address supplied.

I AM writing in response to the article about banning tuck shops and vending machines in schools.

As a mother of two, I prepare healthy meals at home for my family, and I can't see why my children can't purchase a packet of crisps or a chocolate bar at the tuck shop.

Taking away tuck shops from schools will only encourage children to come out of school and go to shops instead, which will encourage truancy and children getting up to mischief.

We should decide which is the best option for keeping our children in schools. - Name and address supplied.

ELECTIONS

THE Electoral Commission is considering lowering the voting age from 18 to 16.

This would presumably go some way towards revitalisation of the poor turnout for elections, where, as a consequence, many of those elected can't possibly be considered fully representative of majority public opinion.

The present system of being restricted to making a choice can hardly be deemed as the essence of democracy, while the option of outright objection to any given candidates is denied.

To be allowed to only vote 'for' candidates is, to some who may consider all of the options unworthy of their support, tantamount in principle to being asked: "Choose, would you prefer being shot, rather than hung?"

Why aren't we allowed to express our considered opinions of each candidate's worthiness for the job in hand?

A simple yes or no on our ballot paper would suffice. Votes against to be given equal consideration to votes for, with all seats, especially uncontested ones, needing to show majority public support before elected status is confirmed.

The restriction on one's democratic right to express opinion of candidates may be one of the reasons why so many just don't bother to use their vote. - AW Dunn, Spennymoor.

EUROPE

OUR membership of the European Union costs us, the British taxpayer, £500m every two weeks.

After we've paid the interest on the student loans, tuition fees will only save us £500m a year. Is it better to saddle our young people with a mountain of debt or say we've had enough of tax and waste?

Because all the other three parties, Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat, are in favour of destroying our country's independence, the cost of our membership of the European Union is never discussed.

What a start in life for a young couple, a debt of over £20,000. Which mortgage company will be interested in them, and if they want to start a family, forget it. - Stephen Feaster, Chairman Ryedale Branch, UK Independence Party.

SCHOOL CLOSURE

ACCORDING to county council cabinet member Neil Foster (HAS, Dec 1 Education) those most affected have nothing to fear from the threatened closure of North Blunt Primary School in Peterlee. Children will be dispersed to other schools, teachers will easily find new jobs (who's he kidding?) and parents can like it or lump it.

Apparently, human relationships built up over years don't count, the key to running a successful school is not to run it as a mutually supportive family but as a business unit, and the permanent blighting of the more vulnerable children's futures is something we, or at any rate the county council, or Coun Foster, can live with.

I'm afraid it's the usual story of a decision-maker having his head buried so deep in the sands of complacency that he wouldn't know the reality of it if it kicked him. - Tony Kelly, Crook.