We ALL pay a high price for green energy

MICHAEL HOWARD points out that, since 1990, Britain has cut its greenhouse gas footprint by more than two-fifths (Mail).

What he doesn’t say is that this has been paid for by electricity consumers, who have subsidised the otherwise unaffordable electricity from renewable sources. Wind farms are paid for not producing electricity when it’s not windy enough or if it is too windy.

Even if you can accept this inefficiency, it is questionable what difference the reduction in the footprint has made.

MIKE Gillson, Kirkbymoorside, n. Yorks.

THE reference by Michael howard to China’s ‘huge plans for renewable energy’ implies this will lead to a reduction in emissions.

China’s power generation is based on fossil fuels (90 per cent), in particular coal (65 per cent).

It plans to double coal production — it already consumes as much coal as the rest of the world combined. this is why global emissions have doubled since 1970 and are on course to double again by 2040.

With Britain responsible for only 2 per cent of global emissions, our policy of being the only country with a legally binding emissions reduction target is irrational.

Professor DAVID CAMPBELL, lancaster university law school.

School placements

In East Renfrewshire we pride ourselves on the performance of our schools and the quality of education is one of the main reasons why people move to the area.

With reference to the article which appeared on August 16 (Mail), ‘Rugby star’s school fight over decision to split up children’, it is important to clarify one key point.

the article stated that pupils in East Renfrewshire used to be guaranteed a place in their catchment school, and suggested this has changed due to a revised admissions policy being implemented. this is not the case.

We have a duty to ensure pupils living in East Renfrewshire are provided with a place within an East Renfrewshire school. We always meet this requirement.

Whilst we always make every effort to provide places for children within their catchment school this is not always possible.

On the small number of occasions when we are unable to accommodate pupils within their catchment we offer places in neighbouring schools and where possible offer the opportunity for siblings to attend the same school, but that is for parents to decide upon. We also ensure appropriate transport is provided for children who require to be redirected.

Each year more than 16,500 pupils are educated across the area’s 30 primary and secondary schools and we manage the admissions procedure effectively to make sure we meet the needs of our residents as far as is possible. COUNCILLOR Paul o’Kane, Convener for education and equalities, east renfrewshire Council.

Marching orders

ANOTHER pro-independence march, this time in Dundee – but what purpose does it serve?

theresa May has reiterated that an independence referendum won’t be rerun any time soon.

Marchers can criss-cross Scotland as often as they wish but Miss Sturgeon is right to fear a vote before the next holyrood election is likely to result in defeat.

Martin redfern, edinburgh.

Timid terror laws

That UK security services are carrying out 700 live terrorism investigations (Mail) reveals the sad state of our justice system.

We need laws that let us kick out anyone who makes threats against the UK before they have a chance to commit atrocities.

M. Catterall, accrington, lancs.

Ticket rip-off

MY partner and I booked tickets for the Edinburgh tattoo through resale agency Viagogo.

the tickets cost £110 each, plus a booking fee of £62.50, handling fee of £5.95 and VAt of £12.50, a total of £300.95. We found out the face value was £33 including VAt, plus a £5 booking fee. We had been charged £150.47 for a £38 ticket.

r. Fletcher, rochdale.

Move that cost lives

The bridge tragedy in Italy is being blamed mainly on poor quality materials and corruption.

When the tay Bridge collapsed in 1879 it was mainly for the same reasons. Instead of purchasing quality materials, second-rate goods were bought so officials could line their pockets with the difference in costs.

JIM ADAMSON, Cupar, fife.

Boycott Europe

I PROPOSED a 30-day boycott of EU goods (Letters), so I’m glad Wetherspoons is replacing EU products with non-EU coffee, beers and wine. Chairman tim Martin is calling for supermarkets to follow suit. the first to introduce EU-free shelves will have my custom.

s. Marshall, Keighley, W. Yorks.