Do you agree with our readers? Have your say on these MetroTalk topics and more in the comments.
Starmer’s right on talent, but businesses must help Brits into work
Neil (MetroTalk, Wed) says the UK’s economy needs the ‘brightest and best talent from around the world’.
Sir Keir Starmer in his speech this week on migration made exactly the same point, stating that Britain must still ‘compete for the best talent in the world in science, technology and healthcare’.
A big problem faced by the UK (apart from an ageing population) is that the number of under-65s on long-term sickness benefit has risen massively in recent years. Many can’t work but I’m sure some – with support and better pay, conditions and opportunities – could or would. But with businesses able to source relatively low cost and unskilled labour from abroad, what is in it for business to train and support people from the UK who are not in the labour market?
Also, where is the driver for better wages and working conditions? Neil, York
Wind farms won’t cut it
Vince’s letter on support of net zero (MetroTalk, Tue), is wrong on a number of levels. Wind farms are not the answer to our energy problems. The average output of a turbine is significantly lower than its theoretical maximum and if it is too windy they have to be turned off.
You actually become energy insecure and dependent on foreign sources. We’ve seen it with the government refusing to back Whitehaven coking plant in Cumbria then doing a deal to import coking coal from Japan to keep furnaces running at Britain’s last virgin steel plant. Nuclear is the answer but for some reason we frown upon it. Unless countries such as India, China and the US are persuaded to change their policies, our 0.8 per cent of world emissions will make little difference.
Meanwhile, our fuel bills will continue to rise as billions are spent on projects and stabilising the grid. Dave, Surrey
This isn’t punk rebellion – it’s something else
Cat (MetroTalk, Tue) compares the ‘faux moral outrage’ over Kneecap with that directed at punks in the 70s. Like her, I lived through that era and do not recall, for example, the Sex Pistols advocating the murder of Tory MPs, as the Irish hip-hop band did. Jeremy, London
Churchill’s stance on Europe evolved
Chris H (MetroTalk, Tue) is partially correct that Winston Churchill was sceptical of a federal European body. However, by the late 50s he had changed his mind and, in August 1961, wrote a letter stating that ‘the government are right to apply to join the EEC’. Lewis Gibson, Birmingham
Grammar flashbacks from St Custards
All the letters regarding gerunds reminded me of Nigel Molesworth, the gorriler of 3B at St Custards skool as written and drawn by Geoffrey Willans and Ronald Searle back in the 1950s. He had a totally different idea on ‘gerunds’. Alan, Sunderland
Those buffalo weren’t Asian
I have dual UK/South African citizenship so was most interested in Chris Rickett’s account of his visit to South Africa (Metro, Mon). The article was refreshingly accurate. The only error was in a caption for ‘water buffalo’ – which, to the best of my knowledge, are only found in Asia. Those in the photo are African or Cape buffalo. Colin Paige, Ealing
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