Hear all sides: Tony Benn

Well, let me put the matter right. Mr Benn was appointed to the post of Minister of Power in 1969 and he immediately put a stop to pit closures. He fought tooth and nail for the miners.

But unfortunately, he only remained in office for one year because in 1970 the Conservatives won the election. He was then powerless to do anything against the closures, but he certainly would have done had Labour remained in power. Tony Benn has always been a close supporter of the miners and always will be. That is why he has supported the Miners' Gala for 40 years.

Do you honestly think he would have been invited to the Gala all these years if he had been responsible for pit closure. I think not. - George Rowe, Houghton-le-Spring.

BUDGET

THE budget was more proof that loyal votes count for nothing here in the region. No mention of the not-so level playing field afforded to Scotland and Wales. The last five years have followed the previous near hundred, whereby Labour abuses the willing voter. Only this time, it really is to their advantage. By affording us no comfort, makes the vote for regional government. - Jim Tague, Bishop Auckland Conservatives.

PLANE SPOTTERS

IN light of the decision in the Greek courts to find British tourists guilty of spying while on a plane spotting holiday I am amazed that we have not heard more about the recently ratified EU Arrest Warrant.

This new piece of legislation, that was supported by the UK Labour Government and the Liberal Democrats, effectively states that all the justice systems across the EU are of equal quality and that you can be placed on a plane to face court proceedings in a foreign country without any recourse to the British legal system. The impact of this is extremely serious. For example, if following a holiday in Greece, a local Greek magistrate decides that you have committed an offence while on holiday there, he can subsequently order to have you deported from your own home (courtesy of Northumbria Police Force) back to Greece. There would be nothing that the British Government could do to stop this and no former extradition arrangements could be enforced.

This is clearly the thin end of the wedge in terms of a move towards a uniform legal system and I think is based on the false notion that all justice systems across the EU are equally fair and rigorous. Somehow I don't think the British plane spotters would agree! When are Tony Blair and David Blunkett going to be honest with the British people and tell them what is being signed up to on their behalf? - Martin Callanan MEP

North East, Conservative.

THE EURO

I HAVE just come back from a week in Majorca and find the introduction of the euro there brings back memories of when decimalisation was introduced over here when the people were ripped off with sudden sky high prices for everything.

Where everything was cheap and bargains were everywhere in Spain it is now the opposite. Whether it is greed or whatever, I predict the British public will turn their backs on these places and look for elsewhere for better value for money holidays.

It may be that as everything is cheaper here than Spain they might start coming over here for a holiday.

Some people don't know how well off we actually are in Britain and it will be like that unless we join the euro. - R Stephenson, Darlington.

YOU will hardly be surprised to learn that there are Labour MPs who are opposed to the euro (Echo, Apr 13).

What really does concern most people will be job prospects in the Northern region as well as long term financial stability, both of which will bring prosperity to individuals, their families and their communities.

Over recent weeks job losses in manufacturing have further underlined the fact that the region will benefit from early entry into the euro, which will help to reduce the price of British goods in mainland Europe and therefore safeguard local jobs.

For those who maintain the euro's performance to date has been disappointing, I would suggest they note the latest prediction that the euro will soon break $0.90 and that by the end of 2002 it should reach $1. This will reflect an important milestone for Euroland and reduce fears of inflation reviving when the UK finally decides on entry. - Philip Latham, Riding Mill.

HOTSPUR AWARD

THE Northumbrian Association is asking readers to nominate an individual for the Hotspur Award.

This silver spur is based on the famous Charlton Spur of North Tynedale and carries the name of one of the region's most famous sons, Harry Hotspur.

The award will be made annually to a living personality, who, "through bold endeavour" has brought credit to the North-East.

If the award had been made in earlier times Grace Darling and George Stephenson would have been nominated, also Jackie Milburn, Catherine Cookson and a host of others.

Amongst the great strengths of our region are the resilience, talent and character of its people. Help us to celebrate these with our own award, which is genuinely from the people to someone who inspires or serves us today.

You may nominate whoever you wish, just write the name of the person you propose and a sentence as to why they deserve the award.

It would be helpful if you also included your own name and address, as a prize will be awarded to one of the proposers of the successful nomination. Send it to: The Northumbrian Association, PO Box 78, Hexham, Northumberland, NE 46 IVYD. - Mike Tickell, Chairman, Northumbrian Association.