MP was out of order

Dear Editor Shock horror - an elected politician seeks publicity by attacking her opponents - front page news.

What is really disappointing is that in seeking to gain some political points our local MP has thought fit to involve local community groups in her argument.

Rutherglen and Cambuslang are neighbouring but separate towns. Comparisons can be made on a multitude of levels where one community or the other feels that it has been disadvantaged or treated less well than its neighbour.

Council taxes are raised locally to help pay for the services provided by the local authority - in our case South Lanarkshire Council - across the whole of South Lanarkshire. Local gala days are organised to bring local communities together and should include an element of mutual help and support.

Rutherglen Landemer Day has been running since 1974 with the aim of providing a focal point for the local community and it in no way seeks to compete with or enter into competition with any other gala day.

The Landemer Committee offer support and encouragement to other groups running similar events and we do not wish to be drawn into the divisive nature of this politician’s agenda.

I do however note that she represents the Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency yet appears to have offered her financial support to only one area. Perhaps this is a case of the pot calling the kettle black.

Jim Nixon Chair, Rutherglen Landemer Committee

Fairness all we ask for Our MP Margaret Ferrier calls for fairness and equality in her analysis of funding for Cambuslang Summerfest and Rutherglen Landemer Day (The Reformer, July 27).

And what more can anyone ask for? Fairness and equality with our neighbours was what we at Summerfest were promised and I note that Geraldine Grant states that Summerfest did have a larger grant historically and that this remains the case and brings up that normal funding for events is £700.

This does not bear up in light of the fact our “historic grant” of £4000 has been halved to £2000 and doesn’t answer why the community of Cambuslang is bearing the brunt of funding cuts, especially when the area committee is returning funding meant for the community; £7500 in 2014/15, £15,000 in 2015/16 rather than honour it’s commitment to the community of Cambuslang.

The reasons previously given by councillors Russell Clearie, chair of the area committee and Richard Tullett, vice-chair was that our accounts were not properly audited, our income was £32,000 and we were under investigation, although administration officer Gordon Bow verified to Summerfest this was not the case and that we would have received no funding at all had our accounts not been in order.

Now the mantra is that Summerfest funding is cut because South Lanarkshire Council is struggling due to funding cuts.

It beggars belief that two Cambuslang councillors would rather disparage Cambuslang Summerfest than fight for the equality and fairness called for by our MP Margaret Ferrier.

Elizabeth Watson Secretary, Cambuslang Summerfest

Nukesnotwanted As highlighted in the Reformer two weeks ago, Rutherglen CND has actively campaigned against Trident and nuclear weapons for over 30 years.

Have we made progress? Apparently not if we read John Dillon’s letter: “Trident sadly needed”.

It is so frustrating to hear the same old phrases such as “I’m a multilateralist”, “nuclear weapons cannot be disinvented” and “we need them to negotiate through force”.

Firstly, we are all multi-lateralists but who is going to start the process?

Replacement of Trident is an upgrade of nuclear weapons and in contravention of the Non Proliferation Treaty.

Secondly nuclear weapons are man made. They should not enslave us either economically or through fear.

Just as chemical weapons were once in the UK’s armoury now there is an international ban. No one would suggest we restock the cupboard with these.

Finally nuclear weapons do not make us safe, in fact we are a sitting target. Armaments stores are always the focus of destruction in any war. That is why they are based here on the Clyde, as far away from Westminster as they can be.

Whatever happened to our Christian or British values? Nuclear weapons threaten the very planet.

They are a colossal danger to us and to future generations. Even though we are tired, in CND we keep up the pressure against the evil that lurks in the waters just 30 miles away and on some occasions even pass in convoy through Rutherglen on route to be serviced south of the border.

Keep up the good work Margaret Ferrier MP. You are on the right side of the debate and on this issue, stand on the moral high ground.

Susan Martin Scioncroft Avenue

Writer hates Labour I write regarding the letter from Mr Stevenson in the Reformer dated July 27.

I must admit a sense of nostalgia on reading his letter as when an MP, I was regularly castigated by him over the years from his position as an armchair socialist.

The nostalgia didn’t last long as it seems he has learned nothing over the years and is still motivated by hatred of the Labour Party instead of realising the damage done by Tory governments.

The Labour lords he attacks were responsible for defeating the Tory attacks on tax credits and for defending trade union rights which all unions have congratulated Labour lords on.

He still thrives on personal abuse of Labour people and while he certainly isn’t an online troll, he does contribute to an overall attack on the integrity of people in public life.

This can be carried on to extremes such as threats against MPs and their office staff.

I place on record my belief that the overwhelming number of MPs enter politics to do good as they see it. I disagree strongly with politicians of other parties on policies but respect their mandate.

The recent case of the Labour MP Jo Cox who was murdered illustrates what happens when things are taken to extremes.

I attended the sitting of the House of Lords where tribute was paid to Ms Cox and it was the most moving occasion followed by a service in St Margaret’s Church. All political parties took part in these occasions demonstrating a rare unity.

Politics is a rough trade but surely disagreements on policy should not be used as an excuse for attacking the honesty and integrity of people in public life. I may be living in hope.

I think most people are aware lords get paid an attendance allowance. In the interests of transparency, I can declare that the allowance for the day of the tribute to Jo Cox was donated to the fund in her name and I also made a donation to an organisation in the West of Scotland dedicated to helping women trying to cope with difficult situations.

Tommy McAvoy Rutherglen