Big issues to keep in mind on polling day

Ronald Waters asks for guidance as to who he should vote for (Letters, June 1).

Might I therefore be so bold as to venture a few thoughts that might assist him? There are just three parties in the mix that could have any influence.

Lib Dems: They wish to legalise cannabis: This in spite of the fact that the Royal College of Psychiatrists back current research showing that regular use has been found to double the risk of psychotic episodes or of developing schizophrenia, a study supported by the World Health Organisation.

They also want to legalise prostitution. An interesting concept that; a state run brothel in Canterbury?

Labour: Increase the national debt from £1.5 trillion by borrowing another £256 billon pounds and burden our children and grandchildren with the cost.

An intelligence report leaked to the German newspaper Bild states there are 6.6 million migrants in countries around the Mediterranean sea, including 2.5 million in war-torn North Africa poised to begin their illegal passage into Europe via Italy.

The majority of these see their future in Britain and are determined to arrive on these shores. Labour don’t view this as a problem!

Theresa May and most Conservative like minded people, want the national debt reduced, want us free of EU jurisdiction over our courts, and want control of our money and borders.

They believe in nationhood, the importance of preserving national identity and do not believe in the Federalist Superstate dream, over which our parents went to war to prevent happening.

It is not for me to suggest to Mr Waters where he should place his vote, but I would have thought it was a no-brainer. Mike Bull Spire Avenue Whitstable

The problem with all surveys is not the questions they ask the participants, but the questions they leave out.

In talking to 1,000 Kent residents on the telephone, Facts International (Gazette, June 1) may feel it has covered all the issues raised in the referendum and more besides, but one major question was omitted.

This is hardly surprising as it was not raised in the referendum campaign, even though David Cameron and Francois Hollande stood on the battlefield of the Somme on the previous year to remember the 100th anniversary.

The question is: Do you feel that Europe will be a safer place now that the UK is leaving the EU?

Fortunately the Gazette, whether on purpose or by chance, followed the survey by pictures of the Baedeker raids on Canterbury in 1942.

It may seem a long time ago, but those people who survived those raids must have asked themselves what had gone wrong since the ‘War to end all wars’ had finished only 24 years before!

We have forgotten that the EU, initially as the EEC, was set up to control the weapons of war, coal and steel, a task it has performed admirably for the last 60 years.

The primary task of any government is defence of the realm and being a member of the EU has guaranteed that in Europe.

Whether this peace will continue, or the EU break up as many predict, remains to be seen, but in this rapidly changing world I know my vote will be given to those who support the ideals that have kept us safe since the Second World War. As the old saying goes: “United we stand, divided we fall”, just how far we fall remains to be seen. Mike Armstrong Queens Avenue, Canterbury

Those deciding how to vote in today’s election might be interested in where the money the main parties spend on their advertising comes from.

The most recent official data shows that in the second and third weeks of the campaign the Conservatives netted £5.4m while Labour received £700,000. The greater part of donations to the Conservatives came in gifts of over £250,000 from big business. Labour received no such donations. Many wealthy people seem keen that votes go one way Peter Taylor-gooby South Canterbury Road

In response to Julian Brazier’s complaint about being heckled at election hustings I thought that I’d share my recent experience.

My 14-year-old daughter asked me to take her to the ‘health’ hustings in Canterbury where questions were put to the candidates about issues around health and social care.

My daughter was flabbergasted to hear Sir Julian say that he had not heard of a controversial report proposing to sell off NHS buildings, released by his own government. Especially when all of the other candidates seemed to be well briefed on it.

Understandably people in the audience were quite astonished too and this led to a great deal of frustration from some audience members who interpreted Sir Julian’s response as being evasive.

When I asked my daughter who she thought would do the best job of protecting the NHS and our local hospital in Canterbury she replied: “Any of them except Julian!” Emma Gibson Station Road, Whitstable Court of Justice. Thus in demanding that Britain stops acknowledging the Court, Mrs May’s hard Brexit will assist criminals on the run, including terrorists. Michael Steed Dover Street Canterbury