MY robust contributions to these columns seem to be out of favour these days, but at least whoever opens them will read them.

The Palestine authorities applied to the UN for full membership of Unesco (the United Nations Education, Cultural and Scientific Organisation) and despite, quite disgracefully, opposition from America and Israel, 140 countries voted in favour.

Just what is America and Europe playing at. Unesco is an education and science organisation benefiting poorer countries.

The powerful Jewish lobby has a firm grip of American foreign policy and they seem to be alive and well in Europe as well.

One day, probably when I am long gone, the Palestinian people will escape the clutches of America and Israel and become a nation in their own right.

Hugh Pender, Darlington.