02/12/02

Europe was dreamed up by politicians for politicians, the new privileged class with expenses for everything. If we are in Europe for economic purposes, why have manufacturing in all 25 member states? Most uneconomical.

And if the euro was going to be a success, why did it not take off after September 11 or this year when the markets dived?

The euro does not need a doctor, it's the undertaker. - T Johnson, Middlesbrough.

ALL Denis MacShane's answers indicate 'eurotopia'. But economic experts show that the euro's problems are increasing.

Germany is on its knees due to unsuitable interest rates forced upon it. Four other countries are facing similar dire consequences.

Enlargement of the European Union is expected to increase our GDP by £1.75bn - but this conveniently forgets that our net contribution to Europe far exceeds this.

Gordon Brown, who is increasingly cool on the euro, knows that his spending plans for rescuing public services will not be allowed under euro rules.

I hope that before referenda on regional assemblies, it will be made known that most of our Parliamentary powers will be handed over to Europe.

Not only is EU bureaucracy a colossal waste of time and money, the EU has failed to produce an audit in recent years and when whistleblowers called a halt to massive corruption they were soon disposed of.

Tony Blair must know it is not on to hold a referendum on the euro in the near future and does the nation a great disservice in pretending it can still happen. - J Heslop, Gainford.

A DIRECTIVE agreed by politicians from all the EU countries is issued. In most countries there is an acceptance that it is concerned with the health or welfare of the population. Implementation is often delayed, but there is recognition that the ideas are sound.

Some countries may well arrive at higher standards than indicated by the directive. Their practice may give guidance to others. Overall, the system leads to increased benefits for all.

But the UK homes in on the negatives, arguing that directives from outside the country have no significance for us. Our adversarial approach to being asked to consider things that are designed to give overall benefit makes headlines that overshadow the consistent work of examining the implications for the country.

The notion that we are heading for a European state subjugating all member states is a myth that gets in the way of the increasingly sophisticated co-operation that has guaranteed peace in Europe for the longest period of time in history. Surely we should be proud that we are a part of this co-operation even though we have been co-operating reluctantly. - Bill Morehead, Darlington.

MIDDLE EAST

PETE Winstanley's solution to the Palestinian conflict will not work (HAS, Nov 19). He advocates equal rights for Israelis and Palestinians. This does not take into account the fact that there are at least three militant Islamic groups dedicated to annihilating Israel.

Equal rights will not stop these groups pursuing their aims. - Pauline Addams, Darlington.

MY sympathy for the Palestinian cause has long gone - how can anyone justify the wanton murder of innocent souls through suicide bombs?

Israel will never come to an agreement with the Palestinian authorities while such acts continue. This problem can only be resolved in negotiation - not through indiscriminate murder. The sooner the Palestinians understand this, the sooner will their problems be resolved. - P Johnson, Darlington.

EDUCATION

DOUG Henderson MP should not be so concerned for the 117 pupils excluded from All Saints College on Tyneside (Echo, Nov 19). He should be more concerned for the majority of pupils whose education has been disrupted by them.

Why should teachers and diligent students have to put up with breaches of the school rules, foul and abusive language, smoking, aggression and refusal to conform to policies and defiance of staff. It's high time schools implemented 'zero tolerance' crackdowns on troublemakers.

Headteachers can no longer use the cane or, in some schools, keep pupils in detention. Exclusion is just about the only punishment available.

There is still far too much emphasis on the rights of pupils, especially those who cause trouble. It's time for the rights of teachers to be recognised, to be able to teach without the constant battle for control of the class. The vast majority of well-behaved children also deserve to be taught in a peaceful atmosphere, not a war zone. - EA Moralee, Billingham.

WAR ON TERROR

TONY Blair (Echo, Nov 19) tells us he will warn us of impending terrorist strikes. Who does he think he is kidding? Al Qaida terrorists strike suddenly and without any warning with the aim of killing as many non-Muslims as possible.

Mr Blair would be better employed stopping any more foreigners coming into Britain. He has let too many in already and is putting the safety of the British people in peril. - Martin Bell, Stockton.

VWF

I, LIKE AE Dunn of Spennymoor (HAS, Nov 15), have been told I am too old to claim for vibration white finger. I am now 88 and finished work when Bowburn Colliery closed in 1968.

I was a miner for 40 years and the last 20 used windy picks and pom pom drilling machines that shook the life out of you. Now my fingers are all bent and twisted like claws and I take painkillers to get to sleep at night.

Surely the miners' union must put this situation right. - F Harker, Meadowfield.