Zero emissions by 2050? It’s a pledge too far
FOR an under-achieving politician to want to be remembered by a prestigious future achievement is understandable.
But for Theresa May to sign up the UK unilaterally to achieve zero emissions by 2050 is to put our country at a disadvantage compared to the rest of the world.
We can’t afford to make this grand gesture alone. We should work with industrialised nations and emerging economies to try to achieve close to zero emissions so we are on a level playing field.
Is this possible given the attitudes of China and the U.S.? Quite possibly not, but we can attempt it without spoiling our global competitiveness.
LEO COLIN, Stevenage, Herts. WITH her pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050, Theresa May has written her legacy — one for which she will be remembered kindly.
It is for policymakers to legislate to make this happen, using a mix of carrot and stick.
Otherwise, it’s yet another case of kicking the can down the road. But there isn’t much time left and we’re at the end of the road.
DAVE DEGEN, Watford, Herts.
Boiling point
HOW can we have zero emissions by 2050? For a start, just consider the need to replace all domestic gas boilers.
Due to incompetence by successive governments, this country does not have the industrial capacity to produce the millions needed, which means we will have to import them.
How will people on low incomes be able to afford to replace their boiler? Where will all the fitters come from? Has anyone considered the sheer logistics? It doesn’t seem that manufacturers or engineers have been consulted.
JOHN C. KENT, London SW6. THE pledge on zero emissions may be laudable, but how about a commitment to fund properly the NHS, education, law enforcement, the emergency services, care of the elderly, housing, transport and defence?
MIKE TURNER, Colchester, Essex.
Let’s lead the way again
WHAT sort of message would it give to the rest of the world if Britain ignored climate change?
There is a great deal of money to be made from developing green technologies. Britain was the leader in the first industrial revolution, so why can’t it do the same in the second? ROSEMARY HOLLINGSBEE,
Neston, Wirral. SO BY 2050 there will be zero emissions in this country. All airports will be closed and ships will not be allowed to berth in any port. Meanwhile, the U.S., India, Japan and China will carry on regardless.
ROY JAMES, Bridgend. TO ACHIEVE a 100 per cent reduction in greenhouse gases, will we need a cork for every cow? SIMON TOMSETT, Pagham, W. Sussex.
Call this justice?
WHY are we surprised that knife crime and anti- social behaviour are rising when we have the farce of the Parole Board setting free a triple child killer? The board’s anonymous members make decisions that can affect so many lives, but there is no comeback.
If a released criminal re-offends, the Parole Board is not held responsible. No consideration is shown for the victims’ suffering or the loved ones left behind, so how can this be called justice?
DEREK STOCKER, Bexhill-on-Sea, E. Sussex.
TV licence turn-off
IN THE recent BBC consultation, I was one of the 37 per cent in favour of reforming the free TV licence scheme as opposed to retaining or abolishing it.
My suggestion was that given it is the household rather than the individual that is taxed, only homes where all the residents are over 75 should retain the concession. This would mean no over-75s would be required to pay.
JOHN MacLEOD, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey. THE only qualification for the free TV licence, bus pass and winter fuel allowance is age, regardless of personal finances.
My wife and I are lucky in that we are able to afford to donate our winter fuel allowance to charity.
Why doesn’t the Government make these perks benefits in kind to be added to the taxable incomes of individuals and used to calculate tax codes? That way people will pay nothing, part or all of the cost, according to their income.
But maybe that is too simple for our leaders. JOHN DILLON, New Milton, Hants. AS WELL as losing our free TV licence, due to new emission regulations, we will have to scrap our 16-year- old car or pay £14 a day to drive in London.
DEREK MORRISON, Neasden, N. W. London.
Post office has a future
WELL done for getting a pay rise for sub-postmasters. To survive, the Post Office needs to be all things to all men, so bring back utility bill paying, passports, pensions and car tax discs.
The banks have abandoned rural areas, so post offices could take over the role of issuing cash at the counter and have an ATM for out of hours.
The extra cost would be balanced by the benefits of re-invigorating the High Street and countering social exclusion, the effect of which is a drain on the NHS.
M. HILDER, Weymouth, Dorset.
Jack-potty
HOW ridiculous that a single British ticket holder has won a staggering £123 million in the EuroMillions jackpot.
When a jackpot is £100 million, it should be shared between ten or 20 tickets. This would make a lot more people happy and encourage more punters to buy a ticket. DAVID TURNER, Sevenoaks, Kent.