Silence fiction
procedures with something almost resembling a fraction of their actual losses. Others, whose cases are resolved by (on the “advice” of counsel) an out-of court-settlement, will get nothing because the “settlement” seldom reflects anything like their actual losses. After the lawyers deduct their fees, nothing is left for the client.
Ineffective and expensive access to “justice” is what many litigants in Scotland face – and will continue to face – as long as the lawyers remain in total control of Scotland’s legal system. THOMAS CROOKS Dundas St, Edinburgh and beautifully made hardwood ones is wasteful and unnecessary.
DAVID STEVENSON Blacket Place, Edinburgh In an attempt to draw parallels between the climate warming debate and past controversial issues, Richard Phillips cites the historical, deeply divisive, argument about heliocentricity in the 17th century (Letters, 23 August). In doing so, he unwittingly validates the approach taken by climate scientists.
Heliocentricity questioned theoldorder. Climatechange science does the same. Climate sceptics cling desperately to their old beliefs, accusing climate scientists of creating myths about climate warming to frighten the public and to incite them to question, and displace, the old order.
The reason that Professor Brian Cox and Jim al-khalili, amongst many other scientists, objected to Lord Lawson’s opinions was not to stifle reasonable debate on the subject. It was to establish the facts. Environmental experts fact-checked each of Lawson’s claims, and found that none of them were accurate. Hence Cox’s statement that it is “irresponsible and highly misleading to give the impression that there is a meaningful debate about the science”.
The Global Warming Policy Foundation is a climate sceptic lobby set up by Lord Lawson and Dr Penny Peiser in 2009. They refuse to reveal its funders, despite calls from many – including fellow politicians – to do so. Lawson defends this stance on the grounds of protecting them from public criticism, though it’s obviously deemed acceptable to criticise those on the other side of the debate. CAROLYN TAYLOR
Gagiebank Broughty Ferry, Dundee