Readers' letters - May 18

Dangers of cannabis use outweighs '˜gains'
CannabisCannabis
Cannabis

Cannabis has wrecked so many lives and, following research, there is now documented evidence that the drug causes psychosis and is directly linked to violent crime, including murder.

It has also been established as the underlying cause of the surge in gun and knife-related crimes.

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It is interesting to note that the Metropolitan Police files show half of all deaths are due to the drugs trade and, in other studies carried out, it was found two thirds of those who commit murder have a history of cannabis use.

If ever proof were needed to highlight the connection between cannabis users and shocking criminal acts, we only have to look at a few cases including Salman Abedi, the terrorist who carried out the Manchester Arena bombing atrocity, who was a frequent and heavy cannabis smoker; the terrorists who killed soldier Lee Rigby; the perpetrator of the Westminster Bridge attack and too many more to mention, all cannabis smokers.

I have personal knowledge of a case where an intelligent, pleasant young man had led a normal life until he became a frequent cannabis user and tragically ended up committing a horrific murder.

All these terrible acts of violence should shame the liberal elite who are pushing for cannabis to be decriminalised and also the police, whose attitude is far too relaxed in dealing with drug users and dealers.

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Prosecutions for possessing cannabis have plummeted while the numbers needing medical treatment for smoking the drug have soared.

Drug addiction and the associated mental health problems are a ticking timebomb and have a devastating effect on society.

The dangers of cannabis far outweigh any so-called ‘health benefits’ but those who misguidedly claim otherwise obviously haven’t had to pick up the pieces of shattered lives like so many families have had to do.

Susan Richardson

via email

royalty

EU and Royals both unelected

One reason people like myself have opposed Britain’s membership of what was originally just a Common Market is a democratic one. I never liked the idea of decisions affecting our future being decided by unelected people who don’t live in the UK, nor share its values and history.

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That same belief in democracy leads me to be opposed to the Royal Family and all it stands for. We should have an elected Head of State, not one who acquires the role through accident of birth.

Now critics of such a development say that we could get saddled with someone like Tony Blair.

But the beauty of democracy is that if someone becomes unpopular, we, the voters, can chuck them out, just as we do with unpopular governments.

And those who believe the monarchy has the backing of the people should be aware that attitudes can change over time. I mean, how many would have wanted Prince Charles as King if the Queen had passed away not long after Princess Diana?

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The latest bout of Royal insanity ahead of Prince Harry’s marriage to Meghan Markle shouldn’t stop us from having a serious discussion on what type of ruling system we have.

Tim Mickleburgh

Address supplied

brexit

‘Wrong and offensive’

It used to be that people looked up to and respected those in authority.

Sadly that is no longer the norm and when we get moronic comments from a deputy governor at the Bank of England, it is hardly surprising. Ben Broadbent, pictured, has described the economy as having entered its “menopausal” phase, being past peak productivity.

Not only was his choice of metaphor offensive but his comments about productivity come at the same time as figures from the Office for National Statistics suggest that Britain’s jobs market is continuing to defy expectations.

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They show that employment has hit a record high and wages have grown at the fastest pace since 2015.

I’m afraid Project Fear 2 is alive and well and living in the higher echelons of Remoaners. But they are out of touch with both reality and the mood of the country. Theresa May may not be moving as fast as I’d like but we are still heading for the EU exit door. Roll on prosperity.

Paul Nuttall

North West MEP

UK Independence Party

brexit

May took the

wrong approach

When Theresa May became Prime Minister, she could have sought a pragmatic cross-party approach to Brexit, which reflected the 52:48 voting pattern in the referendum, especially as both the major political parties (supposedly) supported Brexit.

Instead, possibly fearful of being challenged for her job, she chose to pander to the hard Brexiteers in her party, despite the fact that they were in the minority.

John Turley

Address supplied

gratitude

Kindness of strangers

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Through the paper, may I say thank you to the kind strangers who helped me on Monday afternoon in Fishergate, Preston, when I fell. A couple and a young man picked me up and offered support before walking me to the bus.

Thank you sincerely.

M Strand

via email

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