Life in a post-decency era
I READ with much interest a letter written by Geoffrey Brooking (‘Personal ambition put before country,’ Feedback, 07.07.22).
That politicians (as would many of the population) jump a sinking ship cannot be a surprise. Not only is this, as Mr Brooking observed, the “postBrexit era”, it is the “postdecency era” also.
The prevailing culture is one where people will find a way to extricate themselves from situations where there is too great a risk to self, or anonymise themselves. Either shows a lack of courage.
Yet Boris Johnson’s own “postdecency” antics invited this. Neither he, nor the general public, can have any complaints.
That the actions of Messrs Javid and Sunak “undermine the freedom of a nation” and are an attempt to “derail his [Johnson’s] vision” should be cheered. Brexit was England (with the exception of London) voting all four United Kingdom nations out of the European Union. Like that’s fair.
Imagine how the English would feel if the other nations contrived a system whereby they decided on England’s behalf.
Thankful? Grateful? I don’t think so.
And remember, England is the only one of the four nations that does NOT have its own parliament.
As for Brexit itself, look around. The North East and Yorkshire received more from the EU than it has gotten or will ever get from Westminster.
Scotland receives more in subsidies than our region and yet its most vociferous lawmakers must, it seems, be willing to give up all that English (eg, people in Teesside’s) cash in return for independence.
I don’t know about “helping our country move forward”, more like it (ie, Britain outside of London and the South-East) is on its knees: politically fractured, financially broke, and its citizens socially and economically divided as beyond living memory.
Boris Johnson, as with many political and managerial climbers, has neither the conviction nor human empathy, let alone the actual job skills, to care about anyone other than his self. Much like a lot of life in this post-decency era.
DR MICHAEL SHEARD,
Northallerton
Closure reflects modern life
THE shop everyone knew as Binns has closed. This flagship company, like many, has succumbed to the changes of modern life – unlike the railway industry.
Regarding the letter from Tony Johnson in reply to mine, in contrast to my facts and figures Tony chose to throw his weight behind red herrings and innuendo (Feedback, 08.07.22).
For example, his comparison of MP Andy Mc Donald with the ex Tory MP Owen Paterson is scurrilous. Ironically, had he chosen to accept the conclusion of the select committee and serve his 30-day suspension he would still be an MP!
The old Labour mantra of bosses creaming off profits also comes into play, but the figure quoted of £500million is, in today’s climate, small fry. It is well known that railways are not the best route for investors.
Whilst Tony questions how the Conservative party is funded, I can inform him none of their sponsors aim to dislodge the mandated government in power unlike some unions, particularly those who are communist led.
North-East born Daniel Gooch, right-hand man to Brunel, said in 1840 “Unions want more pay and employ more people with no regard to the consequences”. This is still true today.
COLIN HATTON,
Marton