I’d rather have the royals than President Blair
FOLLOWING Oprah’s interview with Meghan and Harry, there have been the usual calls to replace the monarchy with an elected president.
A hereditary system of primogeniture may appear outdated in the 21st century. However, just because something is longestablished or historic doesn’t mean it should be abolished, particularly if it is seen as positive and offers value for money.
The cost of the monarchy works out at just 60p per person per year. When we consider that the royals bring in millions of pounds in tourism, that makes the Queen one of the few tax-funded institutions that delivers a healthy return on investment.
The republicans’ argument would have more clout if the Queen had any executive powers. Instead, her position is mostly symbolic.
no president would command the reverence and respect the Queen has at home and abroad. That is because she is more than just a head of state; she is a symbol of what this country stands for.
I only have to imagine a President Tony Blair to quickly dismiss any idea of a republic.
ANGUS LONG, Newcastle upon tyne.
Out of tune
I CAN’T be the only one trying to get my head around the decision to play rock and pop on Radio 3 to entice younger listeners.
Surely common sense would have shown it would have been wiser to allocate some radio time on Radio 1 and Radio 2 to classical music rather than the other way round.
BRYAN WRIGHT, Greenock,
Renfrewshire.
Grapes of wrath
THE French and Germans tried as hard as they could to punish us for leaving the EU. It’s now time to hit back – if they don’t want our meat and shellfish, let’s boycott their wine and champagne.
Many delicious wines is available from countries such as Australia, Chile and Argentina. Holidays to Turkey, Egypt and Florida would make a lovely change and could be a lot cheaper.
DOREEN HUTTON, Lochwinnnoch, Renfrewshire.
No sense over census
In a few weeks’ time it will apparently be safe for millions of voters to visit thousands of polling stations, yet we are unable to sit in our own homes completing the 2021 Census. Crazy!
ANDREW WHITE, Livingston,
West Lothian.
Electric charge
IT’S unbelievable fossil fuel drivers are being targeted as the Government raises road tax again.
People like me face charges we can’t afford, while those with electric cars get away scot-free. We all drive on the roads causing the same wear and tear. The Government should be making drivers of electric cars pay the same rates.
P ROBERTSON, Burntisland, Fife.
Rubbish behaviour
THOSE who said we would come out of the pandemic as better, nicer people were wrong. If anything, people are worse, with the easing of restrictions resulting in overflowing bins, rubbishstrewn parks and drunken fights.
MARK COHEN, Sale, Gtr Manchester.
Pandemic picnic
FED up with having a picnic in the same old park or beach? Good news – councils are organising day trips to selected rubbish tips. Demand is sure to be high. On a sunny day you can enjoy that atmosphere you love surrounded by mountains of fetid rubbish.
StEPH WILSON, Scunthorpe, Lincs.
Divisive policy
GUIDANCE has been given by nicola Sturgeon about travel throughout Scotland being possible from April 26, but so far there has been no guidance about travel to England.
Does Miss Sturgeon want to continue this hard border between Scotland and England as long as she can? Isn’t this just another example of the SNP trying to divide Scotland from England when no division is necessary?
WILLIAM LONESKIE, Lauder, Berwickshire.
Mucky pups
THE lockdown boom in pets has been accompanied by another unwelcome boom – dog dirt. Could someone please remind new owners to clear up after their pet and keep our streets clean?
JIM CARRUTHERS, Motherwell, Lanarkshire.
Close encounter
LAST week while out driving I encountered an 11-strong pack of wheel to wheel cyclists.
According to the Highway Code this is allowed.
However, they were so close that if wheels touched there would have been a pile-up. Why is this allowed? On a cycle circuit maybe, but on the open road?
CLARK CROSS, Linlithgow,
West Lothian.
Selfish double-bookers
I CAN’T believe families are booking two trips, abroad and in Britain, for the same dates, just in case (Mail).
My husband and I own a motorhome and as we are retired we are flexible about dates. However, it is increasingly difficult to find a spot because they are all booked up. I wonder if it’s because the doublebookers have got there first.
For the rest of us, it could mean having to make do with a lastminute cancellation. It’s all very well for the double bookers to say they will cancel their staycation. This risks leaving hoteliers and campsites with the possibility of lost business.
S. P. PERKINS, Manchester.
Perfect ceremony
I AM sorry that U.S.-style, showy citizenship ceremonies are seen as unnecessary (Letters).
I became a British citizen in 1989, ten years after coming from the U.S. to marry.
In those days, you just received a piece of paper in the post after swearing an oath privately before a notary at a local law firm.
Some recognition of taking that huge step in my personal life would have been welcome.
Mrs CYNTHIA BAYLISS,
Banbury, Oxon.
Proper old school
LIKE Jonathan Brocklebank (Mail) I was educated in Aberdeen and got the same excellent schooling from a very young age.
Jonathan’s primary school days were around 1973, but I’m afraid mine were in 1937 or thereabouts – a long time ago!
JIM EDDIE, Dunblane, Perthshire.