Have faith in shared values to heal Britain
From: Qari Muhammad Asim MBE, Senior Imam, Makkah Masjid (mosque), Leeds, and Chair, Mosques & Imams National Advisory Board.
FOLLOWING recent developments with the Brexit discussions, we know there is increased uncertainty and heightened concerns about what the future might hold in our communities.
Even within our own community, there is difference of opinion on this matter. Regardless of whether you voted leave or remain, people are passionate about this issue and the strength of feeling has continued to build since the referendum.
At times like this it is very easy to become fearful about what happens next and how things may develop; it is easy to become intolerant of the ‘other’, but hope lies in our capacity to approach Brexit with optimism, in a spirit of openness towards each other.
Let us remember Britain is a diverse and welcoming country, and historically has dealt with democratic processes and challenges well. It is vital that we continue to come together as a community and understand our role as citizens of the UK.
While there is uncertainty, much has not changed. Our faith in democracy continues and through the important networks we have, whether that be our family, friends or mosque we have a duty to support each other.
I have absolute confidence that hope, optimism, shared values and a commitment to one another will help heal our hearts, and bridge gaps in our homes, neighbourhoods and the country. From: Lesley Newton, Newby Farm Road, Scarborough.
IN response to corresponents who complained that the BBC’s coverage of Brexit is pro-Remain, I have stopped listening to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, and only watch BBC News in order to see what it is that they have once again failed to inform the public about.
The abject failure of most of the BBC’s senior reporters to ask probing questions of Government Ministers leaves me to draw the conclusion that BBC management is so afraid of being privatised and losing the licence fee that it fails in its key purpose to provide impartial news and information.
If your readers want to be fully informed about what is going on I suggest they look at Channel 4 and Channel 5 and other news broadcasters, then compare their output with that of the BBC. I found this exercise both interesting and alarming.
From: Keith Punshon, Willow Bridge Lane, Dalton, Thirsk.
WE are seeing the end of the sovereignty of the people in our dying democracy, as the Remainer Parliament cynically reverses the result of the largest democratic exercise in our history. The 97-year-old Royal was involved in a car crash.
As we see the death of democracy, I am reminded of some words in the traditional funeral service as reverser politicians take back control for the elite, and for Brussels: “Parliament hath given. Parliament hath taken away. Blessed is the name of Parliament.”
From: ME Wright, Harrogate.
FOR the last few days, I have refused to watch the Westminster zoo. Jayne Dowle’s graphic, powerful description (The Yorkshire Post, January 17) confirmed my worst fears, without my missing a good night’s sleep. Thanks, Jayne.
As to the majority of politicians “behaving like children”, regrettably we can’t dock their pocket money, but what about seriously watering the gin in Westminster’s numerous subsidised bars?
From: John Clarke, Sandal Cliff, Sandal, Wakefield.
BORIS Johnson claims that he didn’t say anything about Turkey during the referendum campaign (The Yorkshire Post, January 19).
Yet he is on record as making several such remarks at that time. Nuanced language is often a fine thing, but on this occasion, the prospective leader of the Tory party was not “distancing himself ” in the words of The Yorkshire Post, he was lying.