Readers' letters

Once we had comedy from Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise, now we have politicians says a reader. See letter

Back in the 1970s and 80s, we used to tune in to shows like Morecambe & Wise, The Two Ronnies and Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em for our weekly entertainment.

In 2016, instead of sitting open-mouthed watching the latest antics of Michael Crawford, we now derive entertainment from the antics in the world of politics.

I’m not a betting man, but if I had bet money back in January this year on the political comings and goings, I would now be sitting on some easy money from my investments at the bookies.

David Cameron and George Osborne (over Brexit) putting a grenade between their respective knees and pulling the pin.

Theresa May as PM, Boris Johnson as Foreign Secretary, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, the two nominees in the US Presidential election, and Ed Balls on Strictly.

Then there is the leader of Ukip resigning after 18 days.

The England manager only lasting 67 days in his job.

You get my drift.

But what is more staggering are the daily goings-on with Labour and Ukip.

We used to look up to MPs, now they rank behind football managers.

Chris Ramus, address supplied

Oil leakage is not reassuring

We are often told that the UK regulation of oil and gas is the best in the world, and that this ‘best in the world’ regulation will apply to fracking.

Last week alone, some 95 tonnes of oil leaked into the North Sea from a BP platform due to a technical issue, and a survey conducted on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency reveals that UK offshore oil and gas platforms reported a total of 601 accidental releases of oil and chemicals in 2014.

This is an increase of 14.5 per cent on 2013, and the numbers are continuing to rise.

One is tempted to say “If this is the best, I pity the rest of the world”, however the serious issue is whether this is due to a failure of regulation, or failure of independent monitoring, or is simply a case of ‘what the eye doesn’t see’ ?

Wherever the blame lies, it is not reassuring news for the residents of Preston New Road and the Fylde.

Lancashire County Council said ‘No to Fracking’ for many reasons, including concerns such as these, and it demonstrates exactly why County Coun Marcus Johnstone has urged the Government “to do more to address the concerns of local communities and the councillors who represent them, by supporting the best environmental controls.”

Preston New Road Action Group

Support for Helen’s Law

I am delighted that MPs have given early support for ‘Helen’s Law’ which the mum of murder victim Helen McCourt has long campaigned for.

This would deny killers parole if they will not reveal where their victims’ remains are and while these cases are in the minority of murder cases, it is a really important issue.

Helen’s mum, Marie McCourt has never been able to find peace in her heart since her 22-year-old daughter was murdered by pub licensee Ian Simms.

He is still behind bars having been jailed for life in 1988 and still will not reveal where Helen’s remains lie but could be released on parole.

Marie’s life has effectively been on hold since the day her daughter vanished and I am so pleased that her petition for the law to be changed has reached the Commons.

Hats off to her local MP Conor McGinn who is pursuing the matter on behalf of all such bereaved families with the proposed Unlawful Killing (Recovery of Remains) Bill.

Paul Nuttall, North West UKIP MEP

More money – less quality

The saying, “Pay peanuts, get monkeys”, must rank as one of the silliest ever made.

It’s invariably used by those on obscenely high salaries to justify their own pay.

If such huge salaries really are required to obtain the right people, there should be no need for huge ‘golden handshakes’.

The appointment of England’s most recent football manager highlights the absurdity of not paying peanuts.

Roy Hodgson, England’s football manager before Sam Allardyce, was on £3.5m a year and the highest paid football manager in Europe, paying millions didn’t make the slightest difference.

The FA then rushed headlong into another disaster and Sam Allardyce was appointed England coach with a similar obscene salary, but he’s now gone, too.

Why do we always assume obscene sums of money guarantees that people of ability and talent will be attracted to the job, when exactly the opposite seems more likely to occur?

“Pay obscene salaries, get monkeys” seems to be more accurate.

George Marsden

via email

Any relatives in Pals Battalions?

I am a historian who would like to receive contact from any family that had a grandparent or uncle who served with a Pals Battalion – Preston, Chorley or Manchester Pals – during the Great War. I would like to hear of their overall experiences, both good and grim, during home and overseas posting. All replies are most welcome and I appreciate your response.

B Melia, Kent

Kind PNE staff raised funds

Special thanks to Becky, Oliver and all staff concerned at Preston North End Football Club for their kind donation to help raise funds for Dylan’s family (LEP October 10).

Great respect for the club.

Dylan Crossey R.I.P.

Paul Wignall

A loving parent