No tipping for these ‘guys and gals’

I wholeheartedly agree with Ralph Oswick regarding the Americanisms that have now taken up residence in the hospitality trade.

When I go out for a meal with my wife and friends I object to being referred to as guys, in “how are you guys, everything alright guys, are you ready to order guys”.

What has happened to sir or madam? Managers in these establishments need to educate their staff in proper etiquette, there is definitely no tip at the end of the evening for these guys and gals.

K A Wareham

By email

The previous Prime Minister (Boris Johnson) won the election in 2019 on the manifesto pledge not to reintroduce fracking as a means of UK energy supply.

It is with regret that the present Prime Minister (Liz Truss) has, without a mandate from the UK electorate, announced that she will renege on this pledge, and responsibility for delivering this falls to one of our local MPS, the Rt Hon Jacob Rees-mogg.

I find this deeply distressing as I am aware of the severe risks that will inevitably result from such a process being used in the UK.

Many geological experts have confirmed that the topography of the UK is not suited to this type of exploration, and we have only to look at the hard lessons learned in the USA, Australia and parts of eastern Europe to see the environmental damage that has occurred and blighted many individuals’ lives.

It is a truth that no ‘well-heads’ have been completely sealed once fracking has occurred, with methane leaks being released into the atmosphere and watercourses.

This is total folly, and not in the interests of the British public. It is also not going to deliver what we need most in either the short or long term. The potential for environmental damage, health concerns and the negative effect on this country achieving its COP26 target is immense.

There is already much public concern and objection to such a policy and I have written to Mr Rees-mogg to let my feelings and concerns be known. I would also urge others who feel the same to write to their MP or directly to Mr Rees-mogg as Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (contact secretary.state@beis.gov.uk).

The sooner the government abandons this ludicrous proposal the better. All our efforts should be in developing the renewable energy sector with growth (if this is what we need) coming from investment here; investing in technologies leading to new high-skilled jobs; insulating poor quality building stock and putting a pride in achievement back in the UK.

Greville Mills

Bathford